Boots launches nationwide initiative to help customers recognise early signs of the disease (stock image) (Image: Getty )
Boots is installing new signage in thousands of its branches nationwide as part of a major health initiative. The update targets customers who purchase medicine to raise awareness and combat a prevalent diagnosis.
The high street pharmacy has unveiled a nationwide awareness drive to help the public identify early warning signs and symptoms of lung cancer, with the aim of improving survival rates for Britain’s third most common cancer. Boots shoppers buying medicine will notice the new signage in specific aisles throughout stores.
According to the NHS, more than 43,000 people are diagnosed with the condition every year in the UK. Numerous early indicators of the condition, including a persistent cough, back pain or fatigue, are frequently dismissed and often managed for extended periods at home using over-the-counter treatments before seeking crucial medical advice.
To address this, Boots is positioning prominent, attention-grabbing signage alongside frequently purchased medications that might be used to address mild symptoms, including cold and flu remedies, cough treatments, and pain relief products. The chain is also introducing awareness materials within its pharmacy consultation rooms, reports the Mirror.
These materials have been designed to prompt customers to pause, reflect, and recognise when symptoms might require further medical examination. Boots will commence distributing the new materials across its 1,800 branches throughout the coming weeks.
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Lung cancer campaigner Jules Fielder has championed this scheme after receiving her own lung cancer diagnosis. She has secured backing from Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting and MP Helena Dollimore.
She said: « There is a huge stigma attached to lung cancer, and I believe it has made awareness of the signs and symptoms, especially for women and non-smokers like me, far too low. This initiative was dreamt up during my long hours of treatment, where I felt strongly that more needed to be done. I’m absolutely thrilled to see it come to life today at Boots.
« A precedent has been set, and I hope more pharmacies follow as we continue to challenge that stigma. All you need for lung cancer is lungs – it can happen to anyone, so signposting in shops like this will save lives. »
Claire Nevinson, Boots Superintendent Pharmacist, said: « Lung cancer can be difficult to spot in its early stages because many of the symptoms are easy to dismiss or attribute to something minor. By bringing clear, accessible information into our pharmacies and onto our shelves, we hope that we encourage people to pause, take notice, and seek advice when they need it.
« Our pharmacy teams are here to listen, support and guide customers, and we’re proud to build on our long partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to help more people feel informed and empowered about their health. »
Over 4,500 Boots staff members have received training to assist those impacted by cancer. This encompasses initial discussions about symptoms and referrals, as well as providing advice on medications and treatments and aiding in managing the physical and visible side effects.
Campaign spearheaded by lung cancer advocate Jules Fielder, following her own diagnosis (Image: Lia Toby/PA Media Assignments)
For more than 17 years, Boots has collaborated with Macmillan to make cancer information and support more readily available in communities throughout the UK. Through this enduring partnership, Boots claims its stores have been instrumental in offering reliable, approachable guidance from convenient high street locations, « helping people feel informed and supported at every stage of their cancer journey ».
There are two main forms of primary lung cancer. These are classified by the type of cells in which the cancer starts growing. They are:
- non-small-cell lung cancer – the most common form, accounting for around 80 to 85 out of 100 cases. It can be one of three types: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma or large-cell carcinoma.
- small-cell lung cancer – a less common form that usually spreads faster than non-small-cell lung cancer.
The type of lung cancer you have determines which treatments are recommended.
What are the signs of lung cancer?
According to the NHS, early stages of lung cancer typically present no signs or symptoms. Symptoms emerge as the condition advances.
The primary symptoms of lung cancer include:
- a cough that does not go away after three weeks
- a long-standing cough that gets worse
- chest infections that keep coming back
- coughing up blood
- an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
- persistent breathlessness
- persistent tiredness or lack of energy
- loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
There are also less common symptoms of lung cancer:
- changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as becoming more curved or their ends becoming larger (this is known as finger clubbing)
- difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain when swallowing
- wheezing
- a hoarse voice
- swelling of your face or neck
- persistent chest or shoulder pain
If you experience any of the main symptoms of lung cancer or any of the less common symptoms, consult a GP.
What have other officials said about the campaign?
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, commented: « When I met Jules for the first time, I was struck by her determination. As someone who’s been through cancer myself, and whose nan died of lung cancer, these stories hit me differently. Jules’ story shocked me – she’s my age, she’s never smoked, and she was challenging stereotypes I didn’t even realise I held.
« Despite everything she’s going through with her own treatment, Jules is pouring her energy into saving other people’s lives. This campaign is so important, and a testament to her strength.
« Early detection is at the heart of our National Cancer Plan and we are rolling out lung cancer screening nationally. Because if we catch cancer earlier, we can treat it faster, and save lives. We’ve already made progress in cutting waiting times – with 213,000 more people receiving a cancer diagnosis or having it ruled out on time compared to before July 2024. Lots done, a lot more to do. »
Helena Dollimore MP, Member of Parliament for Hastings, Rye and the villages stated: « It’s great that Boots is stepping up by using its shelf space to raise awareness of the early symptoms of lung cancer. I would urge other pharmacies and supermarkets to follow their lead. I am proud we are launching this in Hastings, where our own Jules has been an amazing campaigner for better, earlier diagnosis. »
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