A ‘dirty protest’ hit the streets of Manchester today as an army of people dressed as poo and loo roll encouraged people to check their stools. The march on Thursday (April 20) aimed to raise awareness of bowel cancer and its symptoms.
Bowel cancer has the second highest mortality rate after lung cancer in the UK, claiming around 17,000 lives annually, however, many of the warning signs can often be dismissed.
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With April being Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a team from Pall Mall Medical donned poop emoji costumes and rolls of toilet paper in an attempt to destigmatise the taboo when it comes to poo.
The group first marched from King Street just before noon as they headed to St Ann’s square, where they chatted to the public, encouraging them to check their stool and urged them not to be embarrassed to speak to someone if they notice a change in their bowel habits.
The three main symptoms of bowel cancer are blood in stools, changes in bowel habits – such as more frequent, looser stools, and constant or an intermittent pain in your tummy.
However, these are common symptoms of many other less serious health problems, such as IBS, piles, and food intolerances, so it is important to speak about changes in your stool to find out what the issue may be.
Dr Chun Tang, medical director of Pall Mall in King Street, lost his father 14 years ago to the disease and has a brother who was also diagnosed with the same illness.
Fortunately, his brother’s symptoms were detected early enough for him to make a full recovery, which is why Dr Tang is raising awareness of the sometimes called ‘silent killer’.
“From personal experience and the loss of my father, this is a cause close to my heart. That’s why we are encouraging people to be open and honest when it comes to toilet talk.
“We all use the toilet – even royalty! It’s as natural as night follows day,” he said.
“So, if you’ve noticed a change in your loo habits, or you feel something isn’t quite right, don’t hold it in. Talk to friends, loved ones and of course healthcare providers.
“Chat sh*t, don’t just sit on it,” he said.
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