Torbay Council’s Public Health Team is supporting the annual Bowel Cancer Awareness month, which will begin on 1 April 2016.

During April, Bowel Cancer UK wants to raise the awareness of bowel cancer through communities and to highlight the symptoms of cancer which can lead to early diagnosis.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and affects over 41,000 people a year.

Also known as colorectal cancer, bowel cancer develops from pre-cancerous growths, called polyps. These are due to the uncontrollable replication caused by a cancerous cell.

The earlier the cancer is detected the earlier treatment can be provided to individuals to increase their life expectancy.

If you are between 60 and 74 you are eligible for a free screening test, every two years, through the post.

A Torbay Council spokesperson said: “Bowel Cancer is an extremely prominent health concern for many people in our community, if you have any worries or change in bowel habits please speak to a health professional.

“This month is all about fundraising, spreading the word and encouraging people to teach themselves about the risks of bowel cancer so everybody can get involved with this campaign.”

For more information visit www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-us/bowel-cancer-awareness-month/ or www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer-of-the-colon-rectum-or-bowel/pages/introduction.aspx