A third of adults cannot identify any symptoms of a cancer that kills 16,000 people in the UK every year. Bowel cancer is treatable if spotted soon enough but many could be missing the signs, a new study has found.

The disease is the fourth most common cancer in the UK yet but one in three – 35% – of adults do not know any of the signs to watch for. The survey, commissioned just ahead of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, reveals a worrying lack of public awareness, says Bowel Cancer UK.

Its chief executive, Genevieve Edwards, said: “These survey results are deeply concerning. Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK, yet far too many people remain unaware of its symptoms. Early diagnosis, when it’s most treatable, saves lives.”

Cancer Research UK figures show there are around 16,800 bowel cancer deaths in the UK every year, that’s 46 every day (2017-2019). It is the 2nd most common cause of cancer death in the UK, accounting for 10% of all cancer deaths (2017-2019).

I’m a Celebrity and Dancing on Ice star Adele Roberts was diagnosed with bowel cancer four years ago. The Radio One DJ was given the all-clear in June 2022 but is determined to raise awareness of the disease.

The star said: “I myself couldn’t name any symptoms of bowel cancer before I had it… also the year I was on I’m A Celebrity, I was quite sick with the symptoms and none of us noticed. That’s why I’m so passionate about raising awareness.”

According to the latest survey many had limited knowledge of any symptoms. The results showed:

• Just 12% recognised bleeding from the bottom
• 22% mentioned diarrhoea or changes in bowel habits
• Only 24% identified stomach pain or cramping
• Alarmingly, 35% admitted they did not know any symptoms
• Less than half (47%) mentioned blood in poo

Symptoms of bowel cancer?

Bowel Cancer UK warns the disease can affect anyone, whatever your age, gender, ethnicity or where you live. There are six main symptoms to watch out for. Having these symptoms doesn’t always mean you have bowel cancer, but it’s still important to find out what’s causing them.

Symptoms can include:

• bleeding from your bottom
• blood in your poo
• a change in your pooing habits. You might be going more or less often, or have diarrhoea or constipation that might come and go
• losing weight but you’re not sure why
• feeling very tired all the time but you’re not sure why
• a pain or lump in your tummy

What if I have symptoms?

The chasrity advises anyone with any of these symptoms, or if you’re worried about any changes that you notice, visit your GP and ask about an at-home test. It advises: “It’s important to know that not everyone will have all the symptoms of bowel cancer, or they may get different symptoms at different times. Even if you have just one symptom, your GP will want to see you.

“We know that talking about poo and going to the toilet can be embarrassing, but your GP will understand and will be used to talking about these things. Seeing your GP as soon as you can when you have symptoms can help to diagnose bowel cancer early. The earlier that bowel cancer is diagnosed, the more treatable it’s likely to be.”