With an ageing population, cancer cases are on the rise. Currently, nearly one in two of us will be diagnosed with the disease in our lifetimes.
Whether it’s through your own cancer diagnosis, or that of a friend, family member or loved one, it will impact all of us at some point.
That’s why early diagnosis is so important — finding cancer earlier means treatment is more likely to be successful.
Too many people are putting off getting help. Worryingly, our data suggests that around a third of people who notice a red flag cancer symptom are not going to see their GP within six months.
These symptoms include things like a change in the appearance of a mole, or persistent difficulty swallowing.
There are many reasons why someone might hesitate. Our survey results showed factors include: the difficulty people have getting an appointment, having too many other things to worry about or choosing to manage their symptoms alone.
That’s why Cancer Research UK has teamed up with Tesco, to provide in-store pharmacists with specialist training.
They won’t diagnose cancer, but they can listen, provide guidance and support people who might be experiencing potential signs and symptoms of cancer to take the next steps.
The chances are it won’t be cancer, but if it is, spotting it at an early stage means more treatment options are available and survival for many cancers rises dramatically.
In over 350 large Tesco stores people can have a private conversation with a Tesco pharmacist without needing to make an appointment, including in the evenings and on weekends, to help reach people where they are.
Through our partnership with Tesco, we hope to tackle some of the worries and barriers to seeking help. We want people to live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer and spotting it early can make all the difference.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
