A specialist team is arriving in east London next week to give information to the public about bowel cancer.

The Macmillan Cancer Support bus is stopping two days outside the public library in The Grove on Tuesday and Wednesday to offer help to anyone with concerns—and no appointment is needed.

Nearly 30,000 people in London alone receive a cancer diagnosis every year.

“It’s important to be aware of bowel cancer symptoms,” Macmillan support specialist Michelle Smith said.

“Poor diet, lack of exercise, high alcohol intake and smoking also all increase risk.

“But bowel cancer can affect anyone—so those with concerns should see a doctor as early as possible.

“Cancer is the toughest fight many people will ever face. The feelings of isolation and loneliness that so many people experience make it even harder. But they don’t have to go through it alone—we’re here every step of the way.”

Bowel cancer is more common in those over 50 and those with a close family member who has been diagnosed with the disease.

Most common symptoms include blood in stools or bleeding, a persistent change to normal bowel habits such as diarrhoea, constipation or going more frequently than usual, or abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss.

But these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions—so anyone displaying them is being urged to see their GP.

Nine-out-of-10 cases are successfully treated if caught early.

There are around 244,000 people with bowel cancer in Britain, with an average of 114 people being diagnosed every day.

Anyone with worries or questions about cancer, whether about themselves, a relative or friend, can go on board the bus and talk to a Macmillan specialist.

The charity’s five mobile units are travelling around the UK visiting shopping centres and communities giving advice on the ground. They helped an average 60,000 people a day last year in 500 locations.

The bus on the Stratford visit outside the Library in The Grove on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 29 and 30, is stopping off from 10am to 4pm both days.

But anyone who can’t make it and wants information about risks or signs and symptoms can call Macmillan free on 0808-808 0000 of go online.