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Health secretary Wes Streeting has lent his support to a new Boots initiative aimed at raising awareness of early lung cancer symptoms.

Announcing the awareness campaign yesterday (February 9), the multiple said it was placing “clear, eye-catching signage” next to commonly purchased medicines for “mild symptoms” like cough and pain in all 1,800 of its UK stores, as well as offering awareness materials in its consultation rooms. 

"These materials have been created to encourage customers to pause, think and recognise when symptoms may need further investigation,” said Boots. 

The campaign will also be supported by the more than 4,500 Boots staff members who have undergone training with Macmillan Cancer Support to support affected patients through offering conversations about symptoms, referrals and advice on managing side effects of cancer treatment. 

The initiative has been spearheaded by lung cancer patient Jules Fielder with the support of the health secretary alongside Helena Dollimore MP, who said: “I would urge other pharmacies and supermarkets to follow [Boots’] lead.”

Ms Fielder 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.”Mr Streeting commented: “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.”

Boots superintendent pharmacist Claire Nevinson commented: “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.”

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