Tesco and Cancer Research Collaborate for Cancer Awareness
Tesco’s Northampton pharmacists have received specialized training from Cancer Research UK to assist the public in discussing potential cancer symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis.
People in Northampton can now access expert information and support while shopping. Tesco and Cancer Research UK have partnered to encourage customers who notice unusual changes in their bodies to speak with in-store pharmacists. This initiative aims to raise awareness of cancer symptoms, reduce barriers to consulting healthcare professionals, and boost confidence in communicating with doctors.
Pharmacists are playing a larger role in healthcare access, and this campaign allows Tesco pharmacists to apply their specialized training. Northampton customers can take a few minutes during their shopping trip to discuss health concerns. Barriers to seeking help include difficulty getting appointments, fear of burdening the NHS, and reluctance to make a fuss.
Paul Pilkington, Head of Pharmacy at Tesco, emphasized that many people delay seeking advice due to busy schedules, inconvenient GP appointment times, or not wanting to cause a fuss. Conversations with pharmacists about worrying symptoms could lead to quicker cancer diagnoses and better outcomes.
Cancer Research UK’s survey revealed that about half of those with potential cancer symptoms did not contact their GP within six months last year.
Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, highlighted the importance of early diagnosis for better survival chances. The collaboration with Tesco aims to make it easier for people to seek help for unusual symptoms. Tesco pharmacists provide expert health information and support in a convenient setting, potentially speeding up diagnoses and saving lives.
Nearly one in two people will develop cancer at some point, but early-stage diagnosis significantly improves treatment success and survival rates. For example, around nine in ten people with early-stage bowel cancer survive for five years or more, compared to about one in ten with advanced-stage diagnosis.
The campaign runs until 29 September, featuring resources and prompts to encourage symptom awareness and pharmacist consultations. Northampton customers can have private chats with pharmacists during their shopping trips or book appointments online. This campaign is part of Tesco’s commitment to improving national health in partnership with the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, and Diabetes UK, addressing heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes
