7 GO TO STOOL SCHOOL

Keep an eye out for changes in your bowel movements or blood in your stool.

WHY? Bright red blood after passing a stool can be caused by haemorrhoids. However, bleeding from the bottom or blood in the poo can also be a sign of bowel cancer. ‘Symptoms can be subtle and vary, but if you have a persistent change in bowel habits, blood in the stools, or abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating brought on by eating, don’t let embarrassment stop you talking to your GP,’ says Dr Kinesh Patel, a consultant gastroenterologist at Royal Brompton Hospital, London.

WHAT NOW See your GP with any concerns. Also, if you’re aged 60-74 (50-74 in Scotland), don’t ignore the NHS bowel cancer hometesting kit, which is posted to you every two years.