Pharmacies inside supermarkets across the UK are to begin offering advice on potential cancer symptoms for free.
After some shocking new research has sadly revealed that by 2040, there will be more than half a million new cancer cases each year in the UK, Tesco and Cancer Research are now working together for the first time ever in a bid to prompt shoppers who may be experiencing some unusual symptoms, or who are just generally concerned about cancer, to get expert information and support while in store.
Anyone who spots something that doesn’t look or feel right to them, or something that isn’t going away, can now talk to one of the supermarket’s in-store pharmacists about what to do next.
With pharmacists set to play “an increasingly bigger role” in people’s access to healthcare, according to the supermarket, this new joint campaign not only aims to raise awareness of possible symptoms of cancer, but also break down any barriers that people may face when speaking to healthcare professionals.
Tesco in-store pharmacies are to begin offering free cancer symptom advice / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Some of the barriers people face include difficulty in getting an appointment, worry about putting strain on the NHS, and not wanting to make a fuss.
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Tesco pharmacists have undergone specialist training with Cancer Research UK especially for the new campaign in order to “support conversations with the public about possible cancer symptoms” and to stress the importance of early diagnosis.
The supermarket hopes that by offering a convenient setting to check-in about health concerns, this will help people to feel more comfortable and confident discussing possible signs and symptoms with their doctor.
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Speaking as the campaign launched this week, Paul Pilkington, who is the 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.”
Michelle Mitchell, who is Cancer Research UK’s Chief Executive, added: “By 2040, there will be over half a million new cancer cases each year in the UK, but the earlier people are diagnosed, the better their chance of survival, so 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.”
Ms Mitchell says the organisation is “excited by the opportunity” to work with Tesco to speed up diagnosis and save lives.
Didsbury, Cheetham Hill, Gorton, Droylsden, Middleton, Stretford, Salford, and Preswitch are just a handful of the Greater Manchester Tesco locations with participating pharmacies.
Featured Image – Tesco PLC
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Elbow teams up with Co-op Live to donate equipment to Manchester grassroots venues
Thomas Melia
Bury band Elbow have joined forces with Manchester’s biggest indoor arena, Co-op Live, in aid of supporting local grassroots venues.
The funds will help improve the already incredible music scene in Manchester, benefitting staples likes Night and Day Café, Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club, SOUP and more.
All of the donations will be distributed across six independent music venues and will be used for various instruments, PA equipment, backline technology and other necessities depending on the requirements of each site.
Elbow have teamed up with Co-op Live in aid of supporting Manchester grassroots venues.Credit: Supplied
This initiative has been keeping Manchester’s Northern Quarter in the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to live music as well as the impressive Co-op Live.
Alongside providing vital resources for these local institutions, Elbow teaming up with Co-op Live also helps cement the North West as one of the main powerhouses in relation to live music.
The latest efforts from the largest indoor arena in Manchester fall in line with celebrating one year of bringing some of the best live music to the city, being officially open for 12 months in May.
Co-op Live have made a commitment to the people and the planet, promising to donate £1 million annually to the Co-op Foundation.
The stunning Co-op Live venue, Manchester’s largest indoor arena.Elbow performing at Co-op Live, marking history as the first act to grace the venue.Credit: Audio North/Supplied
Manchester’s latest live music venue also contributed significantly to selected charities, including Happy Doggo – chosen by Liam Gallagher and Eric Clapton’s addiction recovery centre, Crossroads.
As Elbow teams up with Co-op Live, even more money is making its way to necessary resources, this time in the likes of crucial live music establishments.
Elbow front-person Guy Garvey says: “Playing Co-op Live’s opening night will stay with us for a lifetime, not least because of how incredible the room sounded.”
“When the venue donated funds in our name to support the city we love, it made complete sense to carry that through to the Northern Quarter and to venues that have meant so much to my bandmates and I throughout our career.”
Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Co-op Live, adds: “In the past year, I have been proud to see Co-op Live become an integral part of such an incredible city.”
“Teaming up with Elbow to directly support the venues that first put Manchester on the map, and to share something so intrinsic to us as venues – proper sound – is something truly special.”
Police launch investigation after a 19-year-old is stabbed in broad daylight at an Oldham retail park
Emily Sergeant
A police investigation has been launched after a stabbing in a ‘very public place’ in Oldham yesterday afternoon.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to Alexandra Retail Park in Oldham yesterday afternoon ( Sunday 30 March 2025) at 3:25pm, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed.
The victim was taken to hospital with ‘serious injuries’, and GMP assures that he and his family are being supported at this time.
A scene remains in place at the retail park and some of the surrounding areas while the investigation is ongoing, and a large police presence can also been seen too as officers continue to collect evidence and piece together the events of what happened.
Police also believe the attack to be an ‘isolated incident’ with those involved known to each other, indicating no threat to the wider public.
“We understand this incident is shocking and took place in a very public space,” commented Inspector Andrew Clayton.
“There have been no arrests so far, but enquiries are ongoing to determine who is responsible. At this stage, we do believe the attack to be an isolated incident involving those known to one another.”
Alexandra Retail Park, where the incident occurred yesterday afternoon / Credit: Google Maps
In a bid to gather as much information as possible, a public police appeal has been made.
Inspector Clayton continues: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses so far, but would encourage anyone who believes they have any information or dash cam footage which could assist our investigation, particularly that which may help us identify the perpetrators, to come forward.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 1757 of 30/03/25, or by getting in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Emily Sergeant -
25th September 2024 
