Bowel cancer signs to be displayed on packs of toilet roll in Aldi

Bowel cancer affects almost 2,700 each year in Ireland.

Supermarket chain Aldi is set to add the symptoms of bowel cancer to all its packs of toilet rolls soon as they partner with the Irish Cancer Society. As bowel cancer is one of the most common in Ireland, Aldi is aiming to raise awareness of the illness by adding life-saving information to their products. It will also include a QR code for customers to find out more on the entire range of toilet rolls and will be brought in from autumn on. Bowel cancer affects almost 2,700 each year in Ireland, with research from the Irish Cancer Society showing that almost one in every two people is not confident when spotting the early signs. The biggest symptoms include changes in bowel habits and blood in your poo which is typically noticed while on the toilet. Noticing these symptoms early on and addressing them with your doctor can lead to an early diagnosis and makes it easier to treat and in some cases, it can even be curable. [caption id="attachment_559577" align="alignnone" width="310"] Pic: Aldi[/caption] John Curtin, group buying director of Ireland, said: “By outlining the key warning signs of bowel cancer on our packaging we hope to reach as many people as possible and further make a difference through our work with the Irish Cancer Society. Spotting signs early is so important, so anything we can do to raise awareness of what people should look out for is crucial.” Phil Harford, Daffodil Centre nurse at the Irish Cancer Society, added: “Bowel cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early so it's important to check your bowel health and know the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. Early detection can save lives, so visit your GP if you have any worries or concerns and take part in BowelScreen when you are invited to do so.” Aldi has recently started the initiative of Marathon in a Month where they are aiming to get people moving to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. Customers and staff have helped raise €1.9 million for cancer services and research since 2016 which has gone towards cancer research and essential services for people living with cancer and their families such as counselling sessions, travel for patients to and from their treatment, and end-of-life care. This comes in the wake of Dame Deborah James's death after the broadcaster passed away last week at the age of 40 from bowel cancer. Deborah's family shared the heartbreaking news through her social media along with photos and videos of her. In her final Instagram post, BowelBabe's family announced her passing, adding her final words: "find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope. And finally, check your poo – it could just save your life."