Beating Bowel Cancer revealed today that men living in the South West are more embarrassed to talk about their bowel habits (31%) than they are about the number of sexual partners they have had (12%) or losing their job (14%)

The poll findings are released on the same day as Beating Bowel Cancer launches its "Tackle it" campaign, spearheaded by former England rugby player and Question of Sport star, Matt Dawson.  With ten men under the age of 60 diagnosed everyday in the UK with bowel cancer of whom half will die of the disease, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the disease and break the taboos around talking about bottoms and bowels. Bowel cancer incidence among men in the South West is above the national average.

Matt Dawson and the Mooners

Matt Dawson said, "Being prepared to talk about abnormal bowel habits with your GP could literally save your life.  Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK but it's completely curable if caught early enough. However, too many men are simply too embarrassed or frightened to speak to their doctor about bowel problems. I know from personal experience the tragedy of losing a loved one to bowel cancer.  That's why I am supporting Beating Bowel Cancer in this important campaign.  Men need to be prepared to tackle bowel cancer head on."

Dr Ian Watson, practising GP and a Beating Bowel Cancer medical advisor added, "Symptoms of bowel cancer such as bleeding from the bottom and irregular bowel movements often indicate common conditions such as piles or irritable bowel syndrome, but I would encourage anyone with these persistent symptoms to visit their doctor."

Tackle it! uses a sporting theme to grab its male audience's attention. An email campaign featuring Matt Dawson, aimed at 30-60 year-old men, will encourage recipients to download a free information leaflet about bowel cancer or play a bum trivia game.  The Royal College of General Practitioners supports the charity's campaign to also inform GPs about Tackle it! via email, encouraging them to display posters and leaflets in their surgeries.

For further information, please visit  the Beating Bowel Cancer website.