Aldi is hoping to help people spot the early signs of bowel cancer, with new toilet roll labelling setting out symptoms.
The new pack labels set out five signs of what is the UK’s fourth most common type of cancer and second biggest cancer killer, but also much easier to treat when diagnosed early.
The aim is for the advice to be at hand while people are on the toilet – when some of the signs, such as blood in poo, might be noticed.
The label also features a QR code for customers to find out more from Bowel Cancer UK.
The move is in response to the charity’s #GetOnARoll campaign, which is calling on supermarkets to list signs of bowel cancer on own-brand loo roll.
The advice will feature on more than 70 million packs of Aldi toilet roll a year.
“When we heard how powerful it could be to simply print the signs and symptoms on loo roll packaging – so they are there when people most need to see them – we were really keen to get involved,” said Julie Ashfield, Aldi MD of buying.
“Spotting signs early is so important, so anything we can do to raise awareness of what people should look out for, and signpost them to Bowel Cancer UK to find out more, is crucial.
“We’re delighted to be the first retailer to announce we’re getting on board since the launch of the #GetOnARoll campaign and we’re calling on all other retailers and loo roll brands to follow suit.”
Bowel Cancer UK CEO Genevieve Edwards said: “We are delighted to partner with Aldi to raise vital awareness of bowel cancer symptoms with people all over the country. It’s the UK’s fourth most common cancer, with someone diagnosed with the disease every 15 minutes in the UK.
“Bowel cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early, but 60% 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.
“It’s such a simple idea to share this vital information on loo roll packaging. It could help us reach millions more people every year and will undoubtedly help save lives. We want to thank Aldi for taking this step and encourage all other retailers to follow suit.”
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