store cancer checks as one in three ignore 'red flag' symptoms

ONE in three people who notice a “red flag” cancer symptom do not get it checked for at least six months, figures reveal. Polling by Cancer... ONE in three people who notice a “red flag” cancer symptom do not get it checked for at least six months, figures reveal. Polling by Cancer Research UK found that people did not want the hassle of booking a GP appointment, or had already struggled to do so. Advertisement The charity now has trained pharmacists working in 350 Tesco supermarkets in England, Scotland and Wales to give shoppers quick advice on worries. It’s part of its ongoing partnership with Tesco to help address barriers and support people to seek help for cancer symptoms. Tom Lye, Tesco Health & Wellness Category Director, said: “Tesco pharmacists are often a convenient and trusted first point of contact for our customers and colleagues who have health concerns. “Through our partnership with Cancer Research UK, we’re making it easier them to have health conversations in a private setting without needing to book an appointment.” High-risk symptoms include an unexplained lump, difficulty swallowing, losing weight without trying, or finding blood in the toilet. Catching cancer early is the best way to survive it so doctors urge patients to get checked as soon as they feel something is wrong. For example, bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK, but around nine in 10 people in England will survive the disease for five years or more if they are diagnosed at the earliest stage, compared to around one in 10 at the latest stage. Advertisement The survey of 6,844 Brits found 32 per cent had had a worrying symptom but not got it checked within six months. Another 43 per cent did not go back to the doctor if their symptom continued after the first appointment. Among the reasons people delayed getting an appointment were that they thought it would be difficult to get one (53 per cent), or had too many other things to worry about (37 per cent). Cancer Research UK CEO, Michelle Mitchell, said: “It’s so important to spot cancer early when treatment is more likely to be successful. “Support is there for people who notice something that’s not right for them. Advertisement “We’ve partnered with Tesco to support early diagnosis of cancer by making it easier for people to talk to a professional about any concerns, which we hope will save lives.” Carlton Hayman was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer after getting checked by a Tesco pharmacist. The 67-year-old worked as a grocery assistant at the supermarket in Coventry when he began having trouble swallowing in 2024. He says: “It just felt like the food wasn’t going down properly. Because there was no pain or other symptoms, I didn’t think it was anything serious at the time. “But after finishing a shift one day, I decided to pop over and speak to Nik. He was very thorough – he took the time to ask me a range of questions. Advertisement “After that, he told me that something didn’t seem right and that I should get it checked urgently.” After speaking to his colleague Nik Thakrar, the store’s pharmacy manager, Carlton saw his GP and was referred for an endoscopy. He was later diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus, the food pipe that connects the mouth and stomach. Oesophageal cancer affects around 10,000 people across the UK each year and causes 8,000 deaths. Carlton said: “Nik encouraging me to get my symptoms checked straight away really made a difference – it gave me the push I needed to take that first step.” Advertisement Pharmacist Nik said: “Carlton’s case highlights how important it is for people to trust their instincts. Nik said: “When Carlton came to speak with me, my priority was to listen carefully and take his concerns seriously. “I had recently completed training on recognising red flag cancer symptoms, which gave me confidence in what to look out for.”

The story has drawn attention across the business landscape, with experts pointing to its immediate implications for policy, markets, and public confidence.

Beyond the headline update, analysts are closely watching how institutions and local stakeholders respond over the next week as timelines, priorities, and accountability measures become clearer.

For readers, this development is part of a broader shift that has been unfolding over recent months, and the next round of announcements will likely define its long-term impact.