Spot the signs early: Aldi adds bowel cancer symptoms to wipes

Aldi is adding the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer to its own-brand toilet wipes.

The updated packaging follows the addition of the potentially life-saving information to all its packs of toilet roll as part of Bowel Cancer UK’s #GetOnARoll campaign, created in response to calls from the late campaigner Dame Deborah James and her fellow patient Cara Hoofe last summer.

The packaging on both products includes a summary of symptoms, together with a QR code for shoppers to find out more about the signs and help available via the Bowel Cancer UK website.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and affects thousands of people each year, with early detection being critical for treating and even curing the disease.

Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, said: “By adding the symptoms of bowel cancel onto both our toilet roll and wipe packs, we hope to help even more people become familiar with what signs to look out for.

“We understand that spotting the signs early is vital, so if we can raise awareness and direct people to Bowel Cancer UK for more information, we hope to make a real difference.”

Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, added: “We are delighted that Aldi has added the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer to its toilet wipes as well as toilet rolls. The disease is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK, but currently fewer than 40% of people are diagnosed at the earlier stages, when it is easier to treat. Having the symptoms on packs of wipes and loo roll packaging should encourage people to contact their GP quickly if they spot any symptoms, and hopefully, get an earlier diagnosis.

“This important initiative will undoubtedly save lives from the disease in the future, and we thank Aldi for its support in raising greater awareness to their valued customers.”