Inflatable bowel aims to raise cancer awareness

Bowel Cancer UK has created the walk-in display to raise awareness of the condition

A giant inflatable bowel to raise awareness of bowel cancer and its symptoms will be set up at three locations in Leicester.

Measuring 19ft x 7ft (6m x 2m), the walk-in interactive model illustrates the various stages of the disease.

Bowel Cancer UK said it hoped the model would encourage more people to take part in screening.

It will be located at Beaumont Shopping Centre in Beaumont Leys on Tuesday, Asda in Narborough Road on Wednesday and in Humberstone Gate on Thursday from 10:00 GMT to 16:00 each day.

Visitors will be able to learn more about how cancer develops

Genevieve Edwards, chief executive at Bowel Cancer UK, said: "We're excited to bring our 2025 UK roadshow tour to Leicester, starting important conversations about bowel cancer.

"Our mission is to raise awareness about the symptoms, encourage people to contact their GP if they notice any signs, and highlight the importance of bowel cancer screening for those who are eligible.

"We're hoping our giant inflatable bowel will be a fun and engaging way to break the ice and start lifesaving conversations."

Key symptoms of bowel cancer:

Bleeding from your bottom

Blood in your poo

A change in your pooing habits. You might be going more or less often, or have diarrhoea or constipation that might come and go

Unexplained weight loss

Unexplained fatigue

A pain or lump in your tummy

Source: Bowel Cancer UK