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Cancer Research UK (CRUK) has trained pharmacists working in Tesco supermarkets across England and Wales to discuss possible cancer symptoms with customers and emphasise the importance of early diagnosis.
The service is available at more than 300 Tesco pharmacies as part of its ‘Let’s Talk’ service, under which pharmacists have received similar training from the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK.
Announcing the partnership on 23 September 2024, Tesco said the ongoing campaign is aimed “to raise awareness of possible symptoms of cancer, break down barriers people may face to speaking to healthcare professionals, and help customers feel more confident when communicating with their doctor”.
Shoppers can either make an appointment online or ask to see the in-store pharmacist at the pharmacy counter. All subsequent discussions are held in private consultation rooms.
In a survey of more than 4,000 people conducted by the CRUK in September 2023, around half of those experiencing possible symptoms of cancer said they did not contact their GP within six months, for reasons including difficulty getting an appointment, worry about putting strain on the NHS and not wanting to make a fuss.
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of CRUK, said: “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.
“We are excited by the opportunity this gives to speed up diagnosis and save lives.”
Paul Pilkington, head of pharmacy at Tesco, said: “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 help lead to a much quicker cancer diagnosis and the likelihood of a successful outcome.”
In March 2024, The Pharmaceutical Journal reported that the first referrals had been made to specialist services under a nationwide community pharmacy pilot designed to help diagnose cancer earlier.
Under the ‘Supporting early diagnosis of cancer’ service, community pharmacies in the East of England North Cancer Alliance and Peninsula Cancer Alliance areas started directly referring patients with ‘red flag’ cancer symptoms, such as a persistent cough and unintentional weight loss, to secondary care or rapid diagnostic services.
In total, there are five cancer alliances signed up to deliver the service, also including Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, South East London Cancer Alliance and Thames Valley Cancer Alliance.
The service was originally scheduled to begin in May 2023 and run for one year.
