Community pharmacists’ role in a new partnership between the Department of Health and Social Care (DH) and Breast Cancer Now (BCN) “will be explored going forward”, the charity has told C+D.
The partnership, announced on October 5, aims to provide women with better support through their breast cancer journey by helping them “recognise possible signs of the disease earlier and access trusted post-treatment information and support”.
It is the first partnership announced under the government’s Renewed Women’s Health Strategy, which looks to provide “improved care for issues disproportionately affecting women”.
“Vital role”
BCN, the UK’s largest breast cancer charity, told C+D it understands the “vital role that community pharmacists play in signposting women to get trusted information”.
“How the partnership works with pharmacists will be explored going forward,” it said.
The partnership comes as new research from the charity revealed that “almost a third of women who check their breasts regularly don’t feel confident about the signs of breast cancer to look out for”.
Read more: Boots boosts Lorraine Kelly’s breast cancer campaign
It also found that one in five UK adults are “not confident they would know where to find trusted information about breast cancer if they had concerns”.
BCN said the DH will partner with it over the next three years to provide women with “practical information to build confidence in checking their breasts, recognising changes and seeking advice sooner – particularly in underserved areas”.
It said healthcare professionals will “receive additional training” and a “practical toolkit” to provide the “best possible advice to women adapting post-treatment”.
“Hugely proud”
BCN deputy chief executive Rachael Franklin said the charity is “hugely proud to be the first partner of the Renewed Women’s Health Strategy, working with the DH to deliver our shared ambition of supporting women to live healthy, fulfilling lives”.
“Breast awareness and ensuring women know where to turn for support are crucial to achieving this,” she said.
Read more: Pharmacy2U launches ‘dedicated’ menopause health hub
It comes after Boots added reminders and stickers to 1,500 consultation rooms last October to support ITV’s ‘Lorraine’s Change + Check’ breast cancer campaign.
And it follows Pharmacy2U launching a “dedicated” women’s health hub in May, offering products, education and support “to help people navigate signs of menopause”.
