There is a persistent taboo surrounding discussing bowel movements , but it is hindering vital conversations with doctors that are essential for the early detection of serious health issues.

Bowel cancer remains one of the most common cancers across the UK, but public understanding of its symptoms and crucial screening procedures frequently lags.

One issue is that symptoms of bowel cancer can often appear similar to less severe health conditions, meaning that patients can ignore the signs until it is too late.

Mr Jeremy Clark, a consultant general surgeon specialising in colorectal diseases at Nuffield Health in Brighton, has underscored five critical warning signs the public must recognise.

1.…