BOWEL cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the United Kingdom.

Each year about 35,500 people are diagnosed with the disease and, according to the latest figures from the Office Of National Statistics, about 3,000 of these patients are being assessed and treated in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Bowel cancer can be completely curable if caught and treated in time. So it is crucial that everything possible is done to raise awareness about the symptoms of the condition and get people to seek advice as soon as possible, even if they find it embarrassing.

This is why BUPA is supporting Beating Bowel Cancer's Loud Tie Week (January 29 to February 4).

With a nationwide network of 153 BUPA-approved bowel cancer hospitals, we have sought to improve the survival chances of patients by ensuring dedicated services and teams of bowel cancer specialists to provide the most appropriate, co-ordinated treatment. We also fund new drugs like Avastin and Erbitux.

We see this integrated approach as the future for treating bowel cancer, but catching it early still remains vitally important.

Therefore, we advise anyone who has noticed a change in their bowel habits, bleeding, or unexplained anaemia to seek medical advice.

Raising awareness will save lives and I will certainly be wearing my loudest tie.

Dr Andrew Vallance-Owen, Group medical director, BUPA, Bloomsbury Way, London.