Almost half of the adult population cannot name a single symptom of bowel cancer, a new poll suggests.

Bowel Cancer UK said the lack of awareness is “shocking” as it urged people to come forward and get checked if they are feeling unwell.

New polling for the charity found that 45% of British adults cannot name any symptoms of the disease.

Men were less likely to be able to identify symptoms, with 55% unable to name any symptoms of the disease compared to 36% of women.

Just over a third (35%) of adults were able to identify the “red flag” symptom of blood in poo.

And the other four main symptoms of the disease, including a change in bowel habits, pain in the abdomen, weight loss and unexplained fatigue, also had “alarmingly low rates of awareness”, the charity said.

One in eight (12%) knew a change in bowel habits was linked to the disease and 11% knew that pain in the tummy or abdomen as a symptom.

Just 8% knew unexplained weight loss could be a sign of bowel cancer and only 2% had heard that unusual fatigue could be a sign, according to the poll of 2,000 British adults.

The charity said that if bowel cancer is caught early it can be cured, with nearly everyone diagnosed at an early stage surviving.

But these odds drop significantly if a patient’s cancer has had a chance to spread.

It said that if more people are aware of symptoms then more will seek help at an earlier stage.

Dr Lisa Wilde, director of research and external affairs at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “Bowel cancer remains the UK’s second biggest cancer killer, and it’s shocking that people aren’t aware of the symptoms to look out for.

“If you notice any signs of bowel cancer, or if things just don’t feel right for you, please visit your GP.

“While the disease largely affects people over the age of 50, more than 2,600 under 50s are diagnosed each year, so it’s really important people seek advice as soon as possible – whatever their age – if they’re worried.

“Today, the UK Government close their call for evidence for a new 10-year cancer plan which presents an opportunity to transform the future of bowel cancer in England. It is clear from these findings that this plan must include action to increase awareness of symptoms of bowel cancer, and encourage people to seek help as early as possible.”

Nearly 43,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK.

It is the nation’s second biggest cancer killer and is the cause of 16,500 deaths every year in Britain.

To find out more visit Bowel Cancer UK’s website: www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk