'Every day I see patients who will not survive or beat this disease - and often it's because they left it too long to present their symptoms to their GP. Yet I also have the more pleasurable job of telling many patients that their bowel cancer is in remission, or that they have reached the all-important "5-year all clear". In most cases, these people will not have delayed seeing their doctor.

Please don't be embarrassed if you notice a problem with your bowel habits, we've seen it all before and can't be shocked. The chances are there's nothing to worry about, but it pays to be sure. It does not pay to stay tight-lipped about your health.'
Professor Darzi, Imperial College, London

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