M&S and Sir Chris Hoy spark men into action with 'brief check' campaign

A national campaign led by Marks & Spencer and Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy has raised more than £155,000 towards groundbreaking prostate cancer research - and inspired tens of thousands of men across the country to check their risk.

The UK’s largest retailer kicked off the campaign in February, encouraging men to take ‘a brief check’ for prostate cancer and pledging to donate £4 for every sale of Autograph men’s underwear.

And in the space of just six weeks, the campaign has made an enormous impact:

• M&S sold more than 40,000 packs of pants, raising over £155,000 to support vital prostate cancer research
  
  
• More than 180,000 men have completed our online Risk Checker since the start of the campaign, taking a simple step to learn more about their risk of prostate cancer
  
  
• Around 148,000 of those people were men at higher risk of the disease – and 1 in 5 say they’ll now speak to their GP about what to do next.

How M&S and Sir Chris Hoy inspired men to check their risk

With the support of its 32 million customers and 65,000 staff across the UK, M&S has helped to kickstart a nationwide conversation about prostate cancer.

And teaming up with six-time Olympic Gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy, the retailer has sparked tens of thousands of men into potentially lifesaving action – all in the space of just 40 days.

In its Clothing & Home stores up and down the country, M&S promoted our quick and easy online Risk Checker with a QR code at the till point and in fitting rooms – as well as on the M&S website. More than 180,000 men took up the call and went to our website to check their risk of prostate cancer and find out what they can do next.

And after taking the Risk Checker, 80 per cent of these men found out they were at higher risk of the disease – and 1 in 5 told us they’d go and speak to their GP as a result.

“In just 40 days, together with our customers and colleagues, we’ve raised thousands of pounds to support Prostate Cancer UK’s ongoing research,” said Mitch Hughes, Menswear Director, Clothing & Home, at M&S.

“But more than that, we’ve given men across the nation the confidence to take control and check their risk of prostate cancer.

“Back in February we set out to make a difference and get the nation talking - today we know 1 in 5 men are now taking action to speak to their GP. I'm incredibly moved at the unwavering support we've had from our colleagues and customers who've got behind us throughout this campaign."

The ‘phenomenal’ impact of a potentially lifesaving campaign

Just before the campaign kicked off, we revealed that prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in England.

But we also know that the earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat. Which is why it’s so important for men to understand their risk of getting the disease.

Since revealing his terminal prostate cancer diagnosis last year, Sir Chris Hoy has helped to raise vital awareness – and we've seen a surge in men visiting our website to check their risk. By encouraging men to take ‘a brief check’, Sir Chris has inspired even more men into action.

“The impact of this partnership has been phenomenal,” said Laura Kerby, our Chief Executive.

“Tens of thousands of men have checked their risk of getting prostate cancer after seeing this campaign in stores and online, and they’re now empowered to take the potentially lifesaving action of talking to a GP about the PSA blood test.

“I’ve also loved hearing about M&S colleagues talking to each other about prostate cancer and raising awareness in their communities.

“The money raised will help us support more men and their families as they navigate prostate cancer, and fund vital research like our TRANSFORM trial – which will pave the way to a screening programme. We’re grateful to M&S colleagues and customers around the UK who have all played a part in making this happen and changing lives.”

A ‘brief check’ could save your life – and it only takes 30 seconds

Remember - the earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier is it to treat. So take our online Risk Checker today. And if you’ve done it already, ask your dad, brother, grandad and mates to check their risk too. It only takes 30 seconds, but it could save a man's life.

Check your risk