Words by Smiley Team
In a positive news for the health of our nation, a global toilet paper brand will now aim to raise awareness of bowel cancer on its packaging.
This information is much needed: recent stats show almost half of adults in the UK can’t name a symptom of bowel cancer, despite it being the fourth most common cancer.
That's why Andrex and Bowel Cancer UK have partnered up to raise awareness of bowel cancer symptoms.
Dan Howell, VP & Managing Director UK&I at Kimberly-Clark, said: “We’re incredibly honoured to partner with Bowel Cancer UK in helping to raise awareness of the disease through our Andrex brand. Our announcement is just the start of our work with the charity, and we’re committed to making it an ongoing partnership.”
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Andrex will be adding bowel cancer information – including where to find help on signs and symptoms of the disease – onto its packaging.
The change is taking place in its factories from July and will be visible across 29 million packs of Andrex Classic Clean from September 2022. The ambition is to update all packaging on the full Andrex toilet roll range within the next year, over 90 million packs. This means that potentially life-saving information will be available in more than 1 in 3 UK households.
Consumers will be able to scan a printed QR code redirecting them Bowel Cancer UK’s symptoms information on their website to find out more.
The signs of bowel cancer you should be aware of include:
:: Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your bowel movements
:: A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
:: Unexplained weight loss
:: Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
:: A pain or lump in your tummy
Andrex says it's committed to a long-term partnership with the charity as part of their #GetOnARoll campaign and will make an initial £65,000 donation to Bowel Cancer UK. This will contribute to the wider work of the charity to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.
Genevieve Edwards, CEO of Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Andrex to raise vital awareness of bowel cancer symptoms with people all over the country. 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.
"This brilliant partnership will help millions of people across the UK know what to look out for and will undoubtedly save lives.”
GET INVOLVED: Find out more about Bowel Cancer UK's #GetOnARoll campaign and see how you can get involved.
VOLUNTEER: Bowel Cancer UK is on the lookout for those who are willing to fundraise or volunteer – find out more.
