Shoppers concerned about cancer can get expert information and support at Tesco pharmacies in Truro and Helston in collaboration with Cancer Research UK.

As part of a health campaign that runs until Sunday, customers can have a confidential, private chat in a consultation room with a pharmacist as they do their weekly shop. 

The superstores are working to prompt customers who have spotted something about their body that doesn’t look or feel right, or that isn’t going away, to talk to a pharmacist about what to do next.

The campaign aims to highlight possible cancer symptoms, help customers feel more confident when communicating with their doctor, and break down barriers people may face when accessing healthcare professionals. 

“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 Tesco’s head of pharmacy Paul Pilkington. 

“Having 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.”

According to Cancer Research UK, about half of people experiencing possible symptoms of cancer didn’t contact their GP within six months. The charity has provided specialist training for pharmacists at the Helston and Truro superstores to support conversations about symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis. 

Currently, nearly one in two people will develop cancer at some point in their lives. But around nine 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 one 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 Cancer Research UK’s chief executive Michelle Mitchell. “That’s why it’s so important to make it easier for people to get help if they notice something that is unusual for them.”

Shoppers can book an appointment in store or at Tesco.com/pharmacy