AS a bowel cancer survivor I know just how devastating a diagnosis can be, but knowing the symptoms and getting help early is vital.

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and I have signed up to Beating Bowel Cancer’s Lift the Lid Day.

On Wednesday, April, 16, the charity is encouraging everyone to start up a conversation about bowel cancer. 

By lifting the lid on the condition we can help beat the taboo surrounding it.

If it is caught early, over 90 per cent of cases can be treated successfully.

Whether it’s a chat over coffee with your family, putting up a poster at work, or encouraging an older relative to take up their screening invitation, every conversation you have could be lifesaving.

Further details are available on www.beatingbowelcancer.org/liftthelid

Kevin Sheedy Beating Bowel Cancer Ambassador and Everton Academy Coach