ALL Marks and Spencer own-brand toilet roll packaging now features information on bowel cancer symptoms to encourage customers to contact their doctor if things don’t feel right.
Alongside a Bowel Cancer UK symptoms infographic, a QR code on the packaging redirects customers to the charity’s website to find out more about symptoms and access available help.
The idea originated from Marks and Spencer clothing and home colleague, Cara Hoofe, who was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2016 at 32-years-old. Inspired by the fundraising and campaign of BowelBabe Deborah James, Cara submitted the suggestion to CEO, Stuart Machin, via the supermarket’s Straight to Stuart suggestion scheme.
Stuart ‘loved the suggestion’ and quickly responded by giving the idea his first ever yes as CEO. The supermarket said that it is hoped the move helps saves lives through early detection, with bowel cancer being the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer.
Cara Hoofe, M&S clothing and home team, commented, “It’s been surreal to see my idea put into action so quickly and to now be on the shelves across M&S stores. Deborah James inspired me to suggest the idea, and it’s upsetting she’s not here to see the final product but she continues to be a huge inspiration to me and other young people diagnosed with bowel cancer.
“I’m extremely proud to play my part in removing some of the embarrassment around bowel cancer and normalise speaking to your doctor about symptoms or if something just doesn’t feel right. Early detection is so important, and I hope we can get people talking and help to save lives.”
Genevieve Edwards, chief executive at Bowel Cancer UK, added,“This is not just any loo roll, this is M&S’s own brand loo roll with bowel cancer symptoms on the packaging. And we’re so excited that they’re on the shelves.
“At the heart of all this is our mission to stop people dying from bowel cancer. It’s the UK’s second biggest cancer killer – but it doesn’t have to be. Bowel cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. Part of the problem is low awareness of the red flag symptoms of bowel cancer, like changes in bowel habit, bleeding from your bottom and blood in your poo, that should prompt people to contact their GP straight away.
“We think Cara is an absolute superstar and want to thank her for everything she’s done to make this happen. She’s a longstanding supporter of ours and has shared her story dozens of times to help raise awareness of bowel cancer. We also want to thank the team at Marks & Spencer who have inspired so many retailers and loo roll brands to follow their lead through our #GetOnARoll campaign.”
