M&S and Sir Chris Hoy urge men to take 30 seconds for 'a brief check'

We’re partnering with Marks & Spencer and Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy to encourage men to take ‘a brief check’ for prostate cancer. 

With 32 million customers and 65,000 colleagues, M&S is aiming to spark a nationwide conversation about prostate cancer and get more men taking our online risk checker. 

From today (20 February) until the end of March, the UK’s biggest retailer will also donate £4 from every pack of M&S Autograph men’s underwear to support innovative research like our landmark prostate cancer screening trial TRANSFORM. 

Sir Chris, who was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in September 2023, is backing the campaign too - and urging men to take 30 seconds for a simple online check that could turn out to be a lifesaver. 

“It’s amazing to know that we’re going to raise vital funds for groundbreaking research into prostate cancer,” said Sir Chris. “But on top of that, we have the platform and opportunity to break the stigma and talk about it. 

“One simple check really can save lives. So my ask to everyone is to spark a conversation and check, mate.” 

How M&S is sparking a national conversation about prostate cancer

To coincide with Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in March, M&S will use its stores, website and social media to drive a big conversation about prostate cancer up and down the country. 

Visit any of the retailer’s Clothing & Home stores and you’ll see QR codes for our online risk checker when you’re trying on outfits in the fitting rooms or paying for items at the tills, as well as on the M&S website. 

“Prostate cancer doesn’t give you signs or symptoms in its earlier stages when it’s more treatable, so awareness is everything,” said Laura Kerby, our Chief Executive.  

“That’s why we’re so excited to launch our partnership with Marks & Spencer, which will help us reach thousands of men on high streets up and down the UK, as well as raising vital funds for research projects like our landmark TRANSFORM screening trial.” 

Sir Chris Hoy and the lifesaving impact of sharing his story

We know that 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer – and it’s now the most common cancer in England.  

But the earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat. And that’s why it’s so important for men to take 30 seconds to check their risk online. 

When Sir Chris Hoy was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, he had no symptoms. And since revealing his cancer was terminal last year, he’s helped to raise huge awareness of the disease and inspired hundreds of thousands of men to take our quick and easy online risk checker.  

He’s also founded the Tour de 4 bike ride to challenge perceptions of people with stage four cancer and raise vital funds for cancer charities across the UK. 

In the two months after the sporting legend went public with his story, an extraordinary 286,000 people visited our website to check their risk. Among those people, 38,000 had a family history of the disease - just like Sir Chris.   

“When Sir Chris was diagnosed with prostate cancer, it brought the condition front of mind for a lot of us and made men like me question – how would I know if I’m at risk?” said Mitch Hughes, Menswear Director for Clothing & Home at M&S.  

“As the market leader in men’s underwear, we felt we had the opportunity to support his inspiring message. I’m really proud that we’ve teamed up with Britain’s most decorated Olympian and Prostate Cancer UK to spark a nationwide conversation and help more men check their risk.” 

Three simple ways you can get behind the campaign

Want to get behind our campaign with M&S and Sir Chris Hoy? Here are three simple steps you can take to get involved and show your support: 

• Head to your local M&S store or go to M&S.com and purchase some pants!  

• Support us when you’re shopping by selecting Prostate Cancer UK as the beneficiary of your Sparks card in the M&S app – M&S donates 1p for every transaction.   

• Check your risk of prostate cancer today. And if you’ve done it already, share the risk checker with your dad, brother, partner or mates. One conversation could save a man’s life.