By Mitch Hughes, Director of Menswear at M&S

At the end of last year, when Sir Chris Hoy announced he had terminal prostate cancer, I think we all stood still in shock. His news brought prostate cancer to the front of mind for a lot of us.

As I near the age of 50, it made me question two things. Firstly, without symptoms, how would I know? Secondly, in my role of Director of Menswear at M&S, what can I do.

We’re very proud of our long-standing partnership with Breast Cancer Now. As the market leader in lingerie, last year we rolled out signage to more than 1,500 of our fitting rooms with guidance on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. A simple idea, originated from our colleagues, to aid early detection.

Since 2020, we’ve held a relationship with Prostate Cancer UK as one of our dedicated sparks charities. We’re also the market leader in men’s underwear. So, with over 1,000 stores across the UK and a total customer base of 32 million, we have the platform to get the nation talking about prostate cancer.

Now feels like the right moment to give men a moment. 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer, it is not only the most common cancer in men, it is now the most common cancer in England. But the great news is that the earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat and earlier diagnoses can save lives.

Earlier this year we invited Sir Chris Hoy to meet with us to talk about what we can do to support his inspiring message. Despite being diagnosed later and with a terminal diagnosis, Chris has an unreal attitude and unwavering focus to get more men to check their risk.

I didn’t know, 3 questions, 30 seconds, is all it takes to check your risk of prostate cancer online. It’s that simple.

So, we want to make it even simpler.

From today, we have rolled out QR codes to Prostate Cancer UK’s online Risk Checker across our stores, website and social channels. So, whether you’re trying on clothes in our fitting rooms or scroll through our social channels from the sofa, you too, can check your risk or perhaps prompt the men in your life to check their risk. Plus, £4 from every pack of men’s Autograph underwear sold from now until the end of March, will be donated to Prostate Cancer UK to raise vital funds into lifechanging research.

Together, we can make a difference. So, what are you waiting for, check, mate.