High street retail giant M&S is teaming up with Bowel Cancer UK to raise awareness about cancer symptoms. . In a bid to help people stop the signs of bowel cancer early, M&S is placing signs in all stores.
As well as this, from September, toilet roll packets will also feature the information.
The changes come through its partnership with Bowel Cancer UK and will come into effect nationwide from September. M&S customers and staff will also spot new signage about bowel cancer symptoms in-store and across support centre toilets from next month.
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Shoppers will be able to scan a QR code to find out more on Bowel Cancer UK’s website. M&S hopes the collaboration will raise awareness of the disease to its 30 million customers.
It comes just weeks after Deborah James, also known as BowelBabe, revealed that she is receiving end-of-life care at her parents' home. The idea originated from M&S Clothing and Home colleague Cara Hoofe, who submitted it to M&S’ colleague suggestion scheme.
Cara was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2016 at 32 years old. She said: “Deborah is a huge inspiration to me and so many other young people diagnosed with bowel cancer. I feel fortunate my journey since diagnosis has taken a different path but I want to give a voice to all those who can no longer use theirs to raise awareness.
“Early detection is so important and my main message to people is don’t feel embarrassed, get things checked out and speak to your doctor. I’ve worked at M&S for over ten years and am so happy they are putting my idea into action and so quickly – I’m hoping other companies will consider joining us.”
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Stuart Machin, CEO at M&S, said: ”It’s hugely rewarding to be able to put such a fantastic suggestion into action in my first week in the job. Cara’s idea will undoubtedly help to save lives and by working with Bowel Cancer UK we can get the message out there to check for symptoms and if you have any concerns, to go and see your doctor.
“This is exactly what Straight to Stuart is going to be about, harnessing simple ideas from colleagues that have a massive impact. Most importantly, this is a real opportunity to raise awareness across the UK and make a difference.”
Alongside its efforts to raise awareness, M&S is also making a £50,000 donation to Bowel Cancer UK. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer.
Nearly 43,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK however the disease is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.
