The NHS is urging Tesco shoppers to ‘keep an eye out’ and to ‘contact your GP practice if something doesn’t feel right’. This health alert has been issued as Tesco’s own-brand Luxury Soft toilet rolls now feature the NHS logo on the packaging.

This collaboration between the NHS and the supermarket giant is designed to increase bowel cancer awareness among consumers. An NHS post on social media platform X says: “Keep an eye out for our logo on @Tesco toilet roll-78.9 million rolls sold and counting!”

The initiative serves as a reminder for people to be attentive to potential cancer symptoms when going to the bathroom. The NHS emphasises: “It’s a reminder for people to look out for possible signs of cancer when going to the loo. Know what’s normal for you and contact your GP practice if something doesn’t feel right.”

Printed beneath the NHS logo on the toilet roll is the message: “Finding cancer earlier makes it more treatable and can save lives.” Further details are provided on the back of the pack, reports Wales Online.

The packaging lists warning signs of cancer that may be spotted during toilet visits, such as alterations in stool and the presence of blood. For comprehensive information on cancer symptoms, the public is directed to visit www.nhs.uk/cancersymptoms.

Symptoms of bowel cancer:

• changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
• needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
• blood in your poo, which may look red or black
• bleeding from your bottom
• often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet
• tummy pain
• a lump in your tummy
• bloating
• losing weight without trying
• feeling very tired or short of breath – these are signs of anaemia, which can be caused by bowel cancer

Many of these symptoms are quite common and may arise from various other conditions. Experiencing these symptoms doesn’t necessarily indicate that you have cancer, but it’s crucial to consult a GP for a check-up. If cancer is the cause of your symptoms, early detection could make treatment more manageable.

If anyone experiences symptoms of bowel cancer for three weeks or longer, they should speak to a doctor. The NHS reassures: “Try not to be embarrassed. The doctor or nurse will be used to talking about these symptoms.”

If you notice your poo is black or dark red, or if you’re experiencing bloody diarrhoea, it’s crucial to seek an urgent GP appointment or get assistance from NHS 111. You can reach out by calling 111 or using the online help available at 111.

Cancer comes in over 200 different forms and can affect any part of the body, including organs, blood, bone marrow, and the immune system. Sometimes cancer can spread from its original site to other parts of the body, a process known as secondary cancer or metastasis.

The type of cancer you have will determine the treatment you receive. Common cancer treatments include surgery to remove the tumour, chemotherapy with drugs that destroy cancer cells, and radiotherapy that uses radiation to target and kill cancer cells.

Other treatment options may involve immunotherapy, which boosts your immune system to fight cancer, and hormone therapy, which aims to slow or halt the growth of cancerous cells. The NHS assures patients: “You’ll be looked after by a team of specialists who will work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you.”