Director of Research and External Affairs at Bowel Cancer UK Dr Lisa Wilde said: “While the disease largely affects people over the age of 50, more than 2,600 under 50s are diagnosed each year, so it’s really important people seek advice as soon as possible – whatever their age – if they’re worried.”
These results come just weeks after the government announced its War on Cancer, a 10 year campaign to find new treatments for cancer.
Dr Wilde says: “It is clear from these findings that this plan must include action to increase awareness of symptoms of bowel cancer and encourage people to seek help as early as possible.”
The earlier a cancer is diagnosed, the more effective the treatment will be and the longer the patient will survive.