Most bowel cancers develop from non-cancerous polyps, small mushroom-like growths, on the internal lining of the bowel (large intestine or colon).

However, polyps are very common and most do not become malignant.

If polyps are diagnosed and removed, the incidence of bowel cancer falls by greater than 90%.

The most common symptoms of bowel cancer include:

• Blood or mucus in the faeces (bowel motion)
• Rectal bleeding
• An unexpected change in bowel habit (for example diarrhoea or constipation for no obvious reason)
• Pain and/or swelling in the lower abdomen
• Constant tiredness
• Weakness and pale complexion
• The feeling that your bowel does not empty properly
• Loss of weight for no obvious reason