Boots Launches Lung Cancer Symptom Awareness Drive

Boots has initiated a nationwide campaign to raise public awareness of early lung cancer warning signs and symptoms. The high street pharmacy is now displaying prominent signage in its store aisles, particularly near over-the-counter medications that might be used for mild, potentially related symptoms. This effort aims to improve the UK's survival rates for lung cancer, Britain's third most common cancer.

Numerous early indicators, such as a persistent cough, back pain, or fatigue, are often overlooked or treated at home before individuals seek professional medical advice. The campaign places attention-grabbing materials next to cold and flu remedies, cough treatments, and pain relief products, and also within pharmacy consultation rooms. Lung cancer campaigner Jules Fielder highlighted the stigma surrounding the disease and expressed enthusiasm for the initiative.

Claire Nevinson, Boots Superintendent Pharmacist, emphasized that early-stage lung cancer symptoms can be easily dismissed. By making information accessible on shelves and within pharmacies, Boots hopes to encourage people to seek necessary advice. The company has trained over 4,500 staff members to assist those affected by cancer, offering support from initial symptom discussions to treatment guidance. This initiative builds on Boots' 17-year partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support.

Helena Dollimore MP praised Boots' proactive use of shelf space for awareness and urged other retailers to follow suit. She noted the importance of early detection, aligning with the National Cancer Plan's rollout of national lung cancer screening. Progress has already been made in reducing waiting times for cancer diagnoses.