A CAMPAIGN to persuade people to look for early signs of bowel cancer this month has been highlighted by an MP.

Rossendale and Darwen's Jake Berry has warned too many sufferers die because of late diagnosis.

He spoke out as April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.

More than 44 people die from the disease every day in the UK but only 15 per cent of those affected diagnosed in the early stages.

Charities Bowel Cancer UK and Beating Bowel Cancer want people to check for key symptoms including bleeding from the bottom; blood in stools; a persistent and unexplained change in bowel habits; unexplained weight loss; extreme tiredness for no obvious reason; and pains or lumps in the stomach.

Mr Berry said: “I am totally committed to increasing awareness of bowel cancer symptoms, both locally and nationally.

"I would urge my constituents, if they are worried that something is wrong, to visit their GP. Early diagnosis really can save lives.”

Campaign boss Asha Kaur said, “Bowel cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early.”