There are 42,000 new cases of colon cancer each year in the UK (equating to 1 in 110 people diagnosed each day), and 16,000 deaths

This needn’t be the case: colon cancer is one of the easiest cancers to treat if it is detected early. The really good news is that this cancer is also preventable in nearly all patients, through regular screening

If you have a test to look for colon cancer and its precursor polyps are detected, these can be easily removed, significantly reducing the risk of developing this type of cancer

Heightened awareness of colon cancer is essential, particularly for anyone over 45

40Tude recommends that you are screened regularly (every 5-7 years) for colon cancer from your mid-40s

High quality CT Colonography and colonoscopy are the most accurate methods for examining the colon for precursor polyps and cancer. The NHS is not able to offer these forms of screening to the whole population but that shouldn't stop you considering adding them to your screening programme

Oliver Beresford