Boots has trained 500 pharmacists to offer "practical and emotional" support to patients suffering from cancer, as part of its ongoing partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support.

As part of the scheme, which launched yesterday (September 20), Boots Macmillian Information Pharmacists direct patients to local cancer support and services. More than 4,000 of the multiple's healthcare staff have also received "bespoke training" on the issue to enable them to "understand and have good conversations" with people affected by cancer.

The launch came after a YouGov survey suggested 45 per cent of people would feel comfortable talking to their pharmacist about cancer. The survey of 1,001 adults, who had been diagnosed with cancer a year ago or longer, found that 54 per cent wanted to see better access to cancer information and support in their local pharmacy.

"There is an opportunity for pharmacy to support people at every stage of their cancer journey" Peter Bainbridge, Boots

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Boots UK director of pharmacy services Peter Bainbridge said the initiative was in line with the health and beauty giant's "new condition-led approach to pharmacy provision". And he highlighted that providing cancer support was "yet another way" pharmacies could get involved in local health services. "With more people living with or having recovered from cancer, there is an opportunity for pharmacy to support people at every stage of their cancer journey," he explained.

"The introduction of the Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist will enable Boots UK pharmacists to have more meaningful conversations with customers who are affected by cancer, so that they can provide them with information and support... tailored to their individual needs."

And Rosie Loftus, lead GP adviser to Macmillan, said pharmacists were "well placed" to offer additional cancer information and support. "Macmillan and Boots UK believe that, by sharing expertise and working together, we can reach even more of the millions of people affected by cancer than we are currently," she said.

"As one of the most trusted professions in the UK, pharmacists are in a unique position to deliver additional support to those affected by cancer, on the high street within the community," Dr Loftus added.