Almost 50,000 people in the UK are affected by the disease, with treatment and recovery rates improved by earlier diagnosis
Boots is adding a new sign to thousands of its stores across the UK as part of its latest health update. It is aimed at customers buying medicine in the hopes of helping raise awareness and tackling a common diagnosis.
The high street chemist has launched a nationwide awareness campaign to help people spot early signs and symptoms of lung cancer, and increase survival rates for the third most common type of cancer in the UK. Boots customers buying medicine will see the new sign in certain aisles in stores.
There are almost 50,000 people diagnosed with lung cancer each year in Britain. Many of the early signs of the disease, such as a lingering cough, back ache or tiredness, are overlooked and are often managed for long periods at home with over-the-counter remedies before seeking important medical attention.
To change this, Boots is placing clear, eye-catching signage next to commonly purchased medicines that could be used to treat mild symptoms, such as cold and flu relief, cough medicine, and pain relief. It is also introducing awareness materials in its pharmacy consultation rooms.
These materials have been created to encourage customers to pause, think, and recognise when symptoms may need further investigation. Boots will begin rolling out the new materials to its 1,800 stores over the coming weeks.
Lung cancer campaigner Jules Fielder has spearheaded this initiative following her own lung cancer diagnosis. She also has the support of the Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting and MP Helena Dollimore.
Lung cancer campaigner, Jules 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. 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 colleagues have undergone training to support those affected by cancer. This includes early conversations about symptoms and referrals, through to offering advice on medicines and treatments and helping manage the physical and visible side effects.
For over 17 years, Boots has partnered with Macmillan to help make cancer information and support more accessible in communities across the UK. Through this longstanding partnership, Boots says its stores have played a vital role in offering trusted, approachable guidance from convenient high street locations, “helping people feel informed and supported at every stage of their cancer journey”.
What are the signs of lung cancer?
According to the NHS, there are usually no signs or symptoms of lung cancer in the early stages. Symptoms develop as the condition progresses. The main 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
Less common symptoms of lung cancer include:
- 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
See a GP if you have any of the main symptoms of lung cancer or any of the less common symptoms.
What have other officials said about the campaign?
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “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 said: “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.”
