I get bored seeing puppies on the loo roll — people need to know the signs of colon cancer, says Deborah James

DEBORAH James has said she is “bored” with seeing puppies on toilet paper as she urges more brands to alert people to deadly signs of cancer.

The Sun author has helped thousands of Brits not be afraid when it comes to talking about number two.

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Just last month, a loo roll inspired by the 40-year-old was unveiled, warning of the five signs of colon cancer you must never ignore.

The activist has now said more brands need to get behind it.

Bowel Cancer UK has partnered with M&S to save lives by raising awareness of the symptoms.

To encourage the 30 million customers to be mindful, the signs will be attached to toilet paper packaging in the branches from September.

Speaking about Lorraine this morning, Deborah said: “It’s the beginning of things to come. I think we should give other companies a big shout out now and say come on, where are your signs and symptoms.

“Forget the puppies, I’m bored of the puppies.

“We need updated information posted on these loo rolls, so I’m hoping a lot of other big brands will go now.” Yeah, wait a minute, that makes a lot of sense. We have to do that.”

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer in the UK and the second leading cause of cancer deaths.

Almost 43,000 people are diagnosed with it each year, but the disease is treatable and curable, especially if caught early.

For the five symptoms you need to know – always remember the word DARM:

1. B – Bleeding from your bottom or blood in your stools
2. O – obvious change in toilet habits
3. W – Weight loss and you don’t know why
4. E – extreme fatigue
5. L – Lumps or pain – usually in your stomach or back passage

The idea for the toilet roll came after M&S employee Cara Hoofe was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2016 at the age of 32.

She was inspired by Debs to pitch the idea after seeing all the work she had done to raise awareness.

Cara, who works on the M&S apparel and home team, said: “Deborah is a huge inspiration to me and so many other young people who have been diagnosed with colon cancer.

“I feel fortunate that my journey has taken a different path since diagnosis, but I want to give a voice to all those who are no longer able to use their voice to raise awareness.

“Early detection is so important and my main message to people is don’t be ashamed, get things checked out and talk to your doctor.

“I’ve worked at M&S ​​for over ten years and I’m so happy that they are taking my idea to action so quickly – I hope other companies will consider joining us.”

Debs spoke about Lorraine today and praised Cara for all her hard work.

She said: “Congratulations Cara. I am so happy that you are sharing the hard work you have put in and what you have achieved.”

“I know we’ve both been through colon cancer and we’ve talked about getting signs and symptoms on the loo roll so many times, but you finally made it and I’m really very proud of you for doing that.

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