Morrisons has teamed up with the NHS to place cancer-awareness messages on nine of its own-brand bath and shower products, encouraging shoppers to “Be body aware” and “Know the signs of cancer.” The items — including Muscle Soothe Sea Minerals and Sage Extracts Bath Soak, Tingly Mint Shower Gel and Lavender and Water Lily Herbal Bath — will start appearing in about 450 Morrisons stores and online in May.
The campaign aims to turn an everyday routine into a simple prompt to notice anything unusual on your body and to contact your GP practice if something doesn’t feel right. Messages on packaging will remind people to get to know what is normal for them so changes are more likely to be spotted early.
Professor Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, said the initiative is intended to prompt people who spot lumps, swelling, skin changes or unexplained bruising during a bath or shower to seek medical advice. He emphasised that while most changes are not cancer, early detection can make a big difference if it is.
Two cancer survivors involved in the campaign shared their experiences. Ed, age 27, first noticed a dull ache in his right testicle in summer 2024. After the pain intensified he sought checks and was diagnosed with testicular cancer following a blood test and ultrasound. He had surgery and a short course of chemotherapy and was told he was cancer free within three months. He now works with men’s health charity Movember to encourage others to check and seek help without embarrassment.
Stacey first felt a lump in her armpit in 2019 but considered herself too young to worry. A Morrisons colleague urged her to see a GP in February 2020; tests confirmed breast cancer. She began chemotherapy within six weeks, followed by a lumpectomy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, and was cancer free by December 2020. Stacey stresses the importance of regular self-checks to become familiar with your body so changes can be spotted sooner.
Symptoms that might be noticed while washing include a lump or swelling anywhere, skin changes, unexplained pain, persistent aches or unusual bruising. Other warning signs to be aware of include persistent heartburn, indigestion or bloating; changes in bowel or bladder habits; unexpected bleeding (from the bottom, in poo or urine, after menopause or after sex); heavy night sweats; increased tiredness; or a hoarse voice or cough that does not improve.
Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson described the partnership as a simple but powerful way to make potentially life-saving advice part of daily routines, while David Scott, Corporate Affairs Director at Morrisons, said the supermarket is proud to help raise awareness and encourage customers to get checked.
This rollout follows Morrisons’ 2023 collaboration with the NHS that featured breast and testicular cancer advice on Nutmeg-branded underwear. If you notice anything unusual or that doesn’t feel right, contact your GP practice for advice and assessment.