Tesco pharmacies are helping spot cancer early

Over the next two weeks, we’ll be working with Tesco to prompt customers who are experiencing unusual symptoms or are concerned about cancer to get expert information and support while they shop.  

If people have spotted something that doesn’t look or feel right, or that isn’t going away, they can talk to one of the supermarket chain’s in-store pharmacists about what to do next. 

The early diagnosis campaign, which runs from 16th to 29th September, aims to raise people’s awareness of possible cancer symptoms, break down barriers that may make it more difficult for them to speak to healthcare professionals, and help them feel more confident when communicating with their doctor. 

It follows the recent relaunch of our health charity partnership with Tesco, the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK. As part of the partnership’s “Let’s Talk” training programme, Tesco pharmacists and pharmacy staff have undergone specialist online training to help them speak to the the public about cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. To support this campaign on spotting cancer early, they have also been offered an additional “Let’s Talk” module which works through practical examples of conversations on cancer early diagnosis. 

A survey we ran last year showed that around half of people experiencing possible symptoms of cancer didn’t contact their GP within six months.* With Tesco pharmacies serving around half a million people every week, staff could play an important role in overcoming the barriers that might cause people to put off speaking to medical professionals about cancer.  

“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,” said Paul Pilkington, head of pharmacy at Tesco. “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.” 

Quicker diagnosis supports better outcomes because cancers that are diagnosed in their earlier stages are more likely to be treated successfully.  

Around 9 in 10 people with bowel cancer – one of the most common cancers – survive their disease for five years or more if diagnosed at the earliest stage. This falls to around 1 in 10 people when bowel cancer is diagnosed at the most advanced stage. 

“The earlier people are diagnosed, the better their chance of survival,” said Michelle Mitchell, our chief executive. “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.” 

The campaign will include resources and prompts to encourage people to think about their symptoms and speak to Tesco’s in-store pharmacists for extra support.  

Customers can either have a confidential, private chat in a consultation room with a pharmacist when they come in to shop, or they can visit Tesco.com/pharmacy to book an appointment.