SHE’S helped thousands of Brits to not be afraid when it comes to talking about their number twos.
Now loo roll inspired by Dame Deborah James is set to hit the shelves, warning of the five bowel cancer signs you must never ignore.
The Sun writer was diagnosed with the illness in 2016 and since then has been an avid campaigner.
Whether it’s dressing up and dancing around as a poo emoji, or raising millions for charity, Debs has always been clear, check your poo and don’t make it a taboo.
Now, Bowel Cancer UK has teamed up with M&S to help save lives by raising awareness of the symptoms.
In order to encourage its 30 million customers to be on the look out, the signs will be on toilet roll packaging in its stores from September.
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Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer.
Nearly 43,000 people are diagnosed with it every year, however the disease is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.
For the five symptoms you need to know – always remember the word BOWEL:
- B – bleeding from your bottom or blood in your poo
- O – obvious change in toilet habits
- W – weight loss and you don’t know why
- E – extreme tiredness
- L – lump or pain – usually in your stomach or back passage
The idea for the loo roll came about after M&S staff member Cara Hoofe was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2016 at 32-years-old.
She was inspired to put forward the idea by Debs after seeing all the work she has done to raise awareness.
Cara, who works in the M&S clothing and home team 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.”
People who get an early diagnosis have a better chance of recovering.
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But 60 per cent of people are diagnosed at later stages when it is much more difficult to treat.
Part of the problem is low awareness of the red flag symptoms of bowel cancer that should prompt people to contact their GP.
