Merlin Griffiths and our patron Matt Dawson MBE raise awareness of bowel cancer

First dates' Merlin Griffiths and our patron Matt Dawson MBE have spoken about the importance of knowing the signs of bowel cancer and visiting the doctor with any symptoms.

A new survey commissioned by the Stay on Track campaign has found that whilst some bowel cancer symptoms are commonly recognised, some people may still opt to wait three months or longer before seeing their doctor with potential symptoms.

The Stay on Track campaign survey showed, when prompted, 89% of people recognised that bleeding from the bottom or having blood in your poo can be a symptom of bowel cancer, however nearly a third of people (30%) would still wait three months or longer to see their GP. Similarly, despite 70% of people recognising a persistent change in bowel habit as a symptom, only 40% would see their GP straightaway.

First Dates' Merlin Griffiths and our patron Matt Dawson MBE have spoken about the importance of knowing the signs of bowel cancer and visiting the doctor with any symptoms.

Matt, who lost his grandfather to bowel cancer at the age of 60, and whose mum was also diagnosed with the disease in her late 50s, and First Dates' barman Merlin Griffiths, who is being treated for bowel cancer, also urged people to complete bowel cancer screening if they're eligible, and to attend any follow-up tests for the disease.

Merlin Griffiths, who was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer in 2021 and who is currently undergoing treatment, says: "My symptoms started with pain in my abdomen and radical changes to my bowel movements, but I thought it was related to scar tissue from a previous car accident. Thank goodness I went to get it checked out though. Pain in your stomach and changes to bowel habits can be a symptoms of bowel cancer, and the earlier it is diagnosed the better the prognosis. I would urge anyone with any symptoms to see their GP. Don't be embarrassed, they’ve seen it all before. If something doesn't feel right, don't dismiss it and don’t wait."

Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, says: "It's worrying to hear that people put off visiting their GP despite having concerning symptoms that could be a sign of bowel cancer. I would really encourage everyone to check their poo and if something has changed or doesn't look right to you, then don't wait – go and see your doctor. You don't need to be embarrassed, GPs are used to seeing people with bowel problems. Bowel cancer is very treatable if caught early and by going straight to your GP it's possible to check if it's bowel cancer first and fast.

"Key symptoms to look out for include bleeding from your bottom, blood in your poo, a persistent and unexplained change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness for no obvious reason and a pain or lump in your tummy. Most people with these don't have bowel cancer, but if you experience one or more of them, you should visit your doctor straight away."

Matt Dawson MBE, a Bowel Cancer UK patron, says: "With my family history of bowel cancer I'm very aware of the symptoms and that’s why I support the Stay on Track campaign. Because of the family link I get myself checked out regularly, as does my sister, as early diagnosis is so important. I am due to have a colonoscopy soon – if your doctor asks you to have one it"s important to do it as soon as possible.

"The procedure is nothing to worry about and could save your life. Bowel cancer is treatable when it is caught early."

Bowel cancer screening is also available to certain age groups, which aims to detect bowel cancer at an early stage, when the disease is easier to treat. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland people over the age of 60 are invited to take part in bowel cancer screening, and the age has begun to be lowered to 50 in England and Wales. In Scotland, screening starts from 50. People are invited to take part in screening every two years until they reach the age of 75. They receive a simple test in the post every two years which can be carried out at home in private.

The Stay on Track campaign was launched by Norgine in September 2020 with Bowel Cancer UK as the charity partner, aiming to improve levels of public awareness of bowel cancer symptoms and the importance of testing and early diagnosis.

Stay on Track is owned and funded by Norgine.

• Knowing the symptoms of bowel cancer could save your life
• Find out more about the importance of taking part in bowel cancer screening
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Pictured above: Merlin Griffiths (left) and Matt Dawson MBE (right)