Boots are making information and support for cancer sufferers easily accessible by having 500 Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists in store.

The move is hoped to connect people to information and support in their local areas, at a time when it is needed most.

The launch of the Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist is the first time that the role of a pharmacist has been extended to include this type of cancer information and support. It is estimated that 2 million people are currently living with or beyond cancer in the UK and this is anticipated to increase to 4 million by 2030.  As the demand for cancer services is set to rise, the launch of this innovative pharmacy role aims to help the millions of people affected by cancer access the information and support they need, in an accessible and trusted environment. 

Boots UK and Macmillan know that access to the right information and support at the right time can have a positive impact on those affected by cancer. Evidence shows that cancer patients feel better after having someone to talk to on a one-to-one, face-to face basis.  Working together as part of the Boots UK and Macmillan partnership, Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists have received bespoke training to enable them to talk to people affected by cancer about the wider, practical and emotional issues they may experience as part of their cancer journey. In addition over 4,100 members of the Boots UK healthcare team have also received bespoke training to enable them to understand and have good conversations with people affected by cancer.

Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive of Macmillan, comments: “The Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists are the next stage in what is already a strong and sector-leading partnership that we both are extremely proud of. Macmillan and Boots UK believe that by sharing expertise and working together, we can reach even more of the millions of people affected by cancer than we are currently. Improving access and connecting people to Macmillan information and support in Boots stores will help us achieve our joint ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer and help build a legacy in the local community.”

Research carried out showed that nearly three quarters (74%) of people living with cancer felt that the information and support they received outside of their healthcare team around the time of their diagnosis, during or after treatment, made them better equipped to understand their cancer experience:

• 92% felt it had a positive impact on their emotional, physical or financial well being
• 51% felt able to understand more about their cancer and their experience of it
• 48% felt able to make decisions that were right for them

As one of the most trusted professions in the UK, pharmacists are in a unique position to deliver additional support to those affected by cancer, on the high street within the community.

• Almost half of those surveyed (45%) said they would feel comfortable speaking to their pharmacist about cancer, key reasons for this being they felt they are a trustworthy source of information, they provide a confidential service, and they are easy to access and have knowledge of local support services. These are all factors which were deemed important when looking to identify a source of information and support on cancer, outside of their healthcare team.
• Over half (54%) felt that it would be a good idea to improve access to cancer information and support in their local, high street, pharmacy.

Alex Gourlay, Chief Executive of Health & Beauty Division, Alliance Boots, adds: “We know from the conversations our pharmacists have had with customers affected by cancer, talking things through can make a real difference and can have a positive impact on their lives and the lives of their family and friends. The introduction of the Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist means that for the millions of customers that visit Boots pharmacies across the country, they can access increased cancer information and support. Boots pharmacists can now offer additional guidance on the wider issues that often accompany cancer and not just those relating to their medicines. The findings from this research highlight just how important accessing the right information at the right time can be for people affected by cancer and the role it can play in helping them to manage their condition.”

Boots UK and Macmillan know that cancer is often the toughest fight many people will have in their lives. By working together, they are delivering more ways for people affected by cancer to get information and support on the high street, in local communities and online. 

Visit Boots to find your nearest Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist.

Boots

For cancer support contact Macmillan on 0808 808 0000 or visit Macmillan