NHS tells Tesco shoppers to 'keep an eye out' in health alert
NHS tells Tesco shoppers to 'keep an eye out' in health alert
Tesco shoppers may spot the NHS logo on a common household product
The NHS has partnered with Tesco to raise awareness
(Image: Getty )
The NHS is asking anyone who shops at Tesco to 'keep an eye out' and to 'contact your GP practice if something doesn't feel right'. The alert comes as customers at the major UK supermarket may spot the NHS logo on the front of Tesco's own-brand Luxury Soft toilet rolls.
The partnership aims to raise awareness of bowel cancer and educate shoppers about the red-flag signs to watch out for. In a post on X, NHS said: "Keep an eye out for our logo on @Tesco toilet roll—78.9 million rolls sold and counting!"
It added: "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."
A message on the toilet roll underneath the NHS logo reads: "Finding cancer earlier makes it more treatable and can save lives." Underneath, it continues: "See back of pack for more information."
Shoppers can read through the possible signs of cancer when goingto the toilet on the packaging, which includes changes to your poo and blood in your poo. For more information on the signs of cancer, go to www.nhs.uk/cancersymptoms.
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Symptoms of bowel cancer may include:
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
Speak to a doctor if you have any symptoms of bowel cancer for three weeks or more. The NHS says: "Try not to be embarrassed. The doctor or nurse will be used to talking about these symptoms."
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if your poo is black or dark red or you have bloody diarrhoea. You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Over 200 distinct varieties of cancer exist. Cancer has the potential to impact any region of the body, including organs, blood, bone marrow, and the immune system. At times, cancer can spread from one location to another, this is referred to as secondary cancer or metastasis.
'Don't die of embarrassment' - NHS Cancer Clinical Director Professor Peter Johnson urges people to get cancer signs checked
The treatment you'll have depends on the type of cancer. The most common treatments for cancer include: surgery to remove the cancer, chemotherapy, which uses medicines to kill cancer cells and radiotherapy, which uses radiation to kill cancer cells.
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Treatment can also involve immunotherapy, where medicines are used to help your immune system kill cancer and hormone therapy to help stop or slow down the growth of cancer. The NHS says: "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."
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