Boots has announced the launch of a “nationwide awareness campaign” to help people spot the “early signs and symptoms” of lung cancer.
Launched yesterday, the campaign aims to “increase survival rates” by placing “clear, eye-catching signage next to commonly purchased medicines” that could be used to treat mild symptoms, like cold and flu relief, cough medicine and pain relief.
The health and beauty giant will also introduce “awareness materials” in its pharmacy consultation rooms to encourage customers to “pause, think, and recognise when symptoms may need further investigation”, it said.
Read more: ‘Major’ study using Boots shopping data to spot cancer early
According to Boots, the new materials will be rolled out to its 1,800 stores “over the coming weeks”.
And it said that “over 4,500 Boots colleagues have undergone training to support those affected by cancer”.
This includes having “early conversations about symptoms and referrals”, “offering advice on medicines and treatment” and helping to manage the “physical and visible side effects”, it added.
“This will save lives”
Boots said that some 49,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year, explaining that “early signs of the disease” include a lingering cough, back ache or tiredness.
The symptoms are often “overlooked” and simply “managed for long periods at home with over-the-counter remedies before seeking important medical attention”, it added.
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Spearheading the campaign following her own diagnosis, Jules Fielder said that she is “absolutely thrilled” to see the campaign “come to life” at Boots.
“A precedent has been set, and I hope more pharmacies follow as we continue to challenge that stigma,” she said, adding that “signposting in shops like this will save lives”.
Health secretary Wes Streeting supported Fielder’s call, stressing that “this campaign is so important”.
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“Early detection is at the heart of our national cancer plan and we are rolling out lung cancer screening nationally,” he added.
Boots superintendent pharmacist Claire Nevinson said that by bringing “clear, accessible information into our pharmacies and onto our shelves, we hope that we encourage people to pause, take notice, and seek advice when they need it”.
“Our pharmacy teams are here to listen, support and guide customers, and we’re proud to build on our long partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support,” she added.
Read more: Boots to pilot pharmacy ‘sponge on a string’ cancer test
It comes after Boots announced last week that it is supporting an Imperial College London study exploring whether customer loyalty card data could help researchers spot the “early warning signs of cancer”.
And NHS England (NHSE) announced last July that Boots will pilot the pharmacy rollout of a “sponge on a string” test designed to prevent oesophageal cancer.
Meanwhile, the health and beauty giant has partnered with designer Anya Hindmarch in one of her London stores to pay homage to old Boots stores.
