Cancer Research UK and Tesco pharmacies have teamed up to help identify cancer early and save lives.

The scheme allows Bury residents to receive expert information and support while shopping.

For the first time, Tesco and Cancer Research UK are collaborating to encourage customers to speak with their local supermarket’s in-store pharmacists if they notice something unusual about their body.

The campaign aims to increase awareness of potential cancer symptoms, reduce barriers to speaking with healthcare professionals, and help customers feel more confident when communicating with their doctor.

With pharmacists set to play a larger role in people's access to healthcare, this campaign allows Tesco pharmacists to utilise the specialist training provided by Cancer Research UK.

Bury customers can take a few minutes out of their weekly shop to seek advice.

Paul Pilkington, head of pharmacy at Tesco, said: "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.

"Being able to have 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."

Bury pharmacists have undergone specialist training with Cancer Research UK to support conversations with the public about possible cancer symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis.

By providing a convenient setting to check in about their health, this campaign aims to help people feel more comfortable discussing possible signs and symptoms.

Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said: "The earlier people are diagnosed, the better their chance of survival.

"That’s why it’s so important that we’re joining forces with Tesco to make it easier for people to get help if they notice something that is unusual for them.

"Tesco pharmacists are here to provide expert health information and support in a comfortable and convenient setting for customers.

"We are excited by the opportunity this gives to speed up diagnosis and save lives."

Currently, nearly one in two people will develop cancer at some point in their lives.

However, when diagnosed at an early stage, treatment is more likely to be successful, and the chances of survival are much greater.

According to Cancer Research UK, around nine in 10 people with bowel cancer survive their disease for five years or more if diagnosed at the earliest stage.

This drops to around one in 10 people when bowel cancer is diagnosed at the most advanced stage.

The health campaign, which runs until September 29, will feature resources and prompts to encourage people to think about their symptoms and speak to an in-store pharmacist for extra support.

Bury customers can have a confidential, private chat in a consultation room with a pharmacist as they do their weekly shop, or they can visit Tesco.com/pharmacy to book an appointment.

The early cancer diagnosis campaign is part of Tesco’s commitment to help improve the nation’s health in partnership with their three charity partners, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, and Diabetes UK, by tackling the three conditions that affect many of the UK population: heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.