1 day Ago By [email protected] (Ben Hurst)
Tesco shoppers will now be able to seek advice on potential cancer symptoms while doing their grocery shopping, thanks to a new partnership with Cancer Research UK. The initiative allows customers to consult with in-store pharmacists if they notice anything unusual about their health. The campaign's goal is to increase awareness of cancer symptoms, eliminate the hurdles people face when communicating with healthcare professionals, and boost customer confidence when discussing their health with their GP.
As pharmacists are increasingly expected to play a larger role in healthcare accessibility, Tesco pharmacists will receive specialist training from Cancer Research UK to better assist store visitors. Cancer Research UK's analysis reveals that approximately half of individuals who noticed potential cancer symptoms did not contact their GP within six months. Reasons included difficulty securing an appointment, concerns about burdening the NHS, and reluctance to cause a fuss.
Currently, almost one in two individuals will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. However, early detection significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment and survival. Survival rates for those diagnosed with bowel cancerone of the UK's most prevalent cancersstand at more than 90 percent if caught in its earliest stages, plummeting to just 10 percent when detected at a late stage.
From September 16-29, a health campaign will be underway to encourage individuals to consider their symptoms and seek additional support from an in-store pharmacist. Tesco customers can have the option for a private conversation with a pharmacist in a consultation room during their routine shopping, or book an appointment online at Tesco.com/pharmacy.
Tesco's Head of Pharmacy, Paul Pilkington commented: "Often, many of us will put off seeking advice on something that's worrying us because we're too busy, can't get a GP appointment at a convenient time or simply don't want to be seen as someone who makes a fuss. Being able to have a conversation with one of our pharmacists about a worrying symptom could lead to a much quicker cancer diagnosis and the likelihood of a successful outcome." Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive at Cancer Research UK, remarked: "By 2040 there are projected to be around half a million new cancer cases each year in the UK.
The earlier people are diagnosed, the better their chance of survival. That's why it's so important that we're joining forces with Tesco to make it easier for people to get help if they notice something that is unusual for them. Tesco pharmacists are here to provide expert health information and support in a comfortable and convenient setting for customers.
We are excited by the opportunity this gives to speed up diagnosis and save lives." As part of its commitment to bolster national health, Tesco's campaign for early cancer diagnosis operates in conjunction with its three charity partners British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, and Diabetes UK. This initiative addresses heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes, which significantly impact the UK populace.
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