A doctor is urging people to look out for the signs of bowel cancer.

Dr Kowk Tang, a doctor at BMI Hendon Hospital, says bowel cancer claims 16,000 lives a year.

The consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist is warning people to recognise any changes to their body in support of bowel cancer awareness month in April.

He said: “A change in your bowel habit that lasts for three weeks or more or blood in your poo are warning signs that need acting upon as soon as possible.

“Other signs include unexplained weight loss, feeling tired without reason, stomach pains or a lump in the stomach.”

He also explained that although there was not a clear-cut reason why some people develop bowel cancer people can reduce their risk by making some simple lifestyle choices.

Long-term smokers, overweight people, those who drink alcohol are more likely to develop bowel cancer.

He is also advising people to exercise regularly and eat healthily.