The government has launched the UK's first bowel cancer awareness campaign today (January 30th).

It is estimated the disease affects 33,000 people annually in England and is responsible for the second-largest number of cancer-related deaths.

While 13,000 individuals lose their lives to the illness each year, if caught early it can be easier to treat - with 90 per cent of patients diagnosed when the disease is at an early stage surviving for at least five years.

Symptoms to look out for include the appearance of blood in stools over a period of three weeks or consistently loose stools for the same amount of time or longer.

Pain or the appearance of a lump in the abdominal area, long-term fatigue and unexplained weight loss can also be symptoms.

As part of the campaign, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society recently called on UK pharmacies to volunteer to be part of its bowel cancer clinical audit.

Pharmacists have until February 22nd to register their interest.

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