A BOWEL cancer survivor is today urging others to remain aware of signs of the killer disease during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.

A BOWEL cancer survivor is today urging others to remain aware of signs of the killer disease during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.

Ian Alcock was diagnosed with the cancer early thanks to top-notch medical care, and is now fighting fit.

Today he is urging others to talk about bowel cancer and to seek help if they have any concerns.

The 57-year-old said: “Bowel cancer is a bit of an embarrassing topic. Other cancers people can talk about, but it is almost taboo to talk about bowel cancer and it shouldn't be because it is a serious health risk.

“People should be aware of any changes and if they get tired don't be a typical male and not see the doctor, thinking it will go away, make sure you get it checked out.”

Mr Alcock, who runs financial education seminars, lost his nine-year-old son to a brain tumour in 1992, so had already been devastated by cancer when he discovered he needed treatment for bowel cancer in 2004.

Doctors made the discovery after Mr Alcock, of Capel St Mary, was unable to give blood and was diagnosed with anemia, and then became rundown and tired.

In early 2005 he had an operation to remove the cancer at Ipswich Hospital, followed by a course of chemotherapy.

Mr Alcock, who is now cancer-free, added: “I'm a really pleased the GP picked it up so quickly. Ipswich Hospital was just excellent both through the surgery and particularly the chemotherapy.

“It has changed my attitude to life - I'm now much more relaxed about life and problems don't worry me quite as much as they used to.”

For more information about bowel cancer visit www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk or call the Bowel Cancer Advisory Service on 0800 8403540.

Have you been affected by bowel cancer? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.