This Toilet Paper Helps Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second most deadly cancer in Canada. To raise awareness among Quebecers of the importance of getting tested for this disease, Fondation Digestive, in collaboration with LG2, has created the 'Scanitary Paper.' This awareness-raising product reaches people where they think most about their digestive health: on the toilet. Custom-designed with a QR code, this special toilet paper redirects people to Clic Santé where they can easily book a stool screening. The Scanitary Paper marks the first awareness campaign from the Fondation Digestive, a newly formed organisation dedicated to digestive health.

“Talking about colorectal cancer means breaking a taboo to save lives. Far too many people are still reluctant to talk about it, but the more we talk about it, the more we can eliminate this taboo and the more screening can make a real difference to our lives, our families, and our loved ones. At the Fondation Digestive, we want to reduce the impact and optimise the management of digestive diseases in Quebec through prevention, innovation and education. That's why we've launched this extraordinary campaign with Scanitary Paper." said Sarah-Line Beaulieu, managing director, Fondation Digestive.

The initiative is part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which runs from March 1st to 31st, 2025. A number of companies are already taking part in the conversation by stocking Scanitary Paper in their bathrooms, including Nortera, CHU Saint-François, Machinex, Biscuits Leclerc, Familiprix, Oberson, Ville de Contrecoeur, Brasserie La Fosse, Intelcom, Unik Média, A&W, Circonflex, Nova Film and Surmesur. This demonstrates the growing commitment of businesses to supporting public health initiatives and promoting prevention.

“Knowing that 90% of colorectal cancers can be cured if they are discovered at an early stage, the key was the call to action. When we go to the toilet, we find ourselves alone with ourselves and, more often than not, with our mobile phones. Hence the idea of creating an opportunity for a simple, quick and essential screening procedure by making it easy to book an appointment." said Félix-Antoine Belleville, copywriter, LG2.

It is recommended that men and women aged between 50 and 74 undergo regular screening tests for colorectal cancer. People with no symptoms and no high-risk factors can be screened with a fecal immunochemical test (FIT). All you need to do is book an appointment on the Clic Santé website.