Dame Deborah James has sadly passed away and in a final statement released by her family she reminded everyone to "check your poo – it could just save your life!"
The journalist had been an avid campaigner of bowel cancer since her diagnosis with the illness in 2016.
And now Bowel Cancer UK has partnered up with M&S to highlight symptoms of the disease, which will be found on toilet roll packaging in stores from September.
The inspiration for the idea came about after M&S staff member Cara Hoof was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2016 at 32-years-old.
She suggested the idea after feeling motivated by Deborah's awareness raising work.
Cara, who works in the M&S clothing and home team said: “Deborah is a huge inspiration to me and so many other young people diagnosed with bowel cancer.
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"I feel fortunate my journey since diagnosis has taken a different path but I want to give a voice to all those who can no longer use theirs to raise awareness.
"Early detection is so important and my main message to people is don’t feel embarrassed, get things checked out and speak to your doctor.
"I’ve worked at M&S for over ten years and am so happy they are putting my idea into action and so quickly – I’m hoping other companies will consider joining us.”
For the five symptoms you need to know – always remember the word BOWEL:
B – bleeding from your bottom or blood in your poo
O – obvious change in toilet habits
W – weight loss and you don't know why
E – extreme tiredness
L – lump or pain – usually in your stomach or back passage
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer.
Every year, nearly 43,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with the disease, however it is treatable and curable if caught at an early stage.
Due to little awareness of the red flag symptoms of bowel cancer, 60 percent of people are diagnosed at a later stage when it is much more difficult to treat.
The NHS advises anyone who has symptoms of bowel cancer for three weeks or more to contact their GP immediately.
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