M&S and Partners Spark Nationwide Prostate Cancer Awareness

M&S and Partners Spark Nationwide Prostate Cancer Awareness

(IN BRIEF) Marks & Spencer partnered with Sir Chris Hoy and Prostate Cancer UK in a dynamic campaign aimed at increasing prostate cancer awareness and early detection among men. During a 40-day period, the campaign successfully sold over 40,000 packs of Autograph pants, with £4 from each pack donated to Prostate Cancer UK, raising more than £155,000, alongside an extra €8.7k for Marie Keating in Ireland. The campaign promoted the use of a 30-second online Risk Checker that enabled men to assess their risk, resulting in more than 180,000 completed checks. Notably, over 148,000 of those were by men at higher risk, leading to 1 in 5 men planning to consult with their GP. Supported by 32 million customers, 65,000 colleagues, and celebrity ambassadors like Ian Wright, this initiative ignited a national conversation about prostate cancer, emphasizing the life-saving impact of early detection. Leaders from both M&S and Prostate Cancer UK highlighted the profound benefits of the campaign in terms of fundraising and spreading crucial health awareness.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 8-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — In February, Marks & Spencer joined forces with Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy and Prostate Cancer UK to inspire men to assess their risk of prostate cancer online. Over a 40-day period, the campaign not only drove the sale of more than 40,000 packs of Autograph pants but also contributed significantly to charity. Specifically, £4 from each pack of the Autograph men’s underwear was donated to Prostate Cancer UK, resulting in over £155,000 raised, with an additional €8.7k donated to Marie Keating in the Republic of Ireland.

The initiative encouraged the widespread use of Prostate Cancer UK’s online Risk Checker—a quick tool that enables men to determine their risk in just 30 seconds. Since the campaign’s launch, over 180,000 risk assessments have been completed, with around 148,000 by men identified as being at higher risk. These outcomes have prompted 1 in 5 men to consider discussing the matter with their GP. As the leader in the UK men’s underwear market, M&S leveraged its reach, rallying 32 million customers, 65,000 colleagues, and celebrity ambassadors such as football legend Ian Wright to foster a nationwide conversation about prostate cancer.

Mitch Hughes, Menswear Director for Clothing & Home at M&S, reflected on the campaign’s success by stating that in just 40 days, the combined efforts of customers and colleagues not only raised thousands for vital research but also empowered men nationwide to take control of their health. Meanwhile, Laura Kerby, Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer UK, praised the partnership for its dramatic impact, noting that tens of thousands of men are now more informed and motivated to speak with their GP about the PSA blood test. The funds raised are set to further support men and families dealing with prostate cancer and will aid in critical research initiatives such as the TRANSFORM trial, which is paving the way for a potential screening programme. Both leaders emphasized the importance of early detection, as identifying prostate cancer sooner significantly increases treatment success.

About Prostate Cancer UK

• Prostate Cancer UK is the largest men’s health charity in the UK, striving for a world where no man dies of prostate cancer.
• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and now the most common cancer in England. 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer, and if your Black your risk is double. Your risk also increases if your over 50, Black and over 45, or your dad or brother had it.
  More than 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year on average – that’s 143 men every day.
• Every 45 minutes one man dies from prostate cancer – that’s more than 12,000 men every year.
• Many men with early-stage prostate cancer don’t have or notice any symptoms, so it’s always best to know your risk, and what you can do about it, and not wait for symptoms.
• The earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat, and an earlier diagnosis could save your life. You can check your risk in just 30 seconds here..
• Anyone with concerns about prostate cancer can visit the Prostate Cancer UK website or contact Prostate Cancer UK’s Specialist Nurses in confidence on 0800 074 8383, or via email, webchat or WhatsApp

Media Contact:

M&S Corporate Press Office:    +44 (0)20 8718 1919
corporate.press@marks-and-spencer.com

SOURCE: Marks and Spencer plc