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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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
News
England football fans warned as ticket scams skyrocket ahead of World Cup
Emily Sergeant
England football fans are being warned to remain vigilant, as ticket scams skyrocket ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup merely weeks from officially kicking off in the North America and Mexico on 11 June, football fans are being urged to guard against scams, as newly-released data from Lloyds has revealed that football ticket scams increased by more than a third (36%) during the current Premier League season.
The findings – which are based on thousands of scam cases between October 2025 and March 2026 – showed that fraudsters focused heavily on popular teams such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
Fraudsters also repeatedly targeted supporters looking for tickets to some of the most in-demand football matches in the UK, which is why, with the upcoming World Cup set to be one of the most speculated sporting events of the year, scam warnings are being issued.
It’s anticipated that fraudsters will target the big-name fixtures and attempt to exploit international demand, according to Lloyds.
England football fans are being warned as ticket scams skyrocket ahead of the World Cup / Credit: Picryl
On average, it was revealed that victims lost £215 during the current Premier League football season, but some fans even paid thousands of pounds for ‘season tickets’ or VIP seats that never existed.
Hopeful football fans are expected to pay much more for expensive World Cup tickets, meaning the potential loss for victims could be ‘devastating’.
As scammers know demand for World Cup tickets will be huge, it’s expected that they will mimic the methods seen in club level scams – including fake listings on social media, pressure to act fast, and requests for bank transfers.
“Fraudsters thrive on urgency and target fans looking for hard to get tickets for big name fixtures,” explained Liz Ziegler, who is the Fraud Prevention Director at Lloyds.
“Most of the football ticket scams we see start on social media, before the criminal moves the buyer onto WhatsApp and insists on a bank transfer to pay. It’s incredibly convincing, and we don’t want fans to lose their money trying to support their team.
“We’re urging supporters to stay alert and stick to official ticketing channels.”
Ahead of the World Cup, Lloyds and the Home Office have teamed up to take action to protect fans by highlighting how criminals will try to exploit the excitement – with Lord Hanson adding: “Our new fraud strategy sets out how we will use every tool at our disposal to disrupt and dismantle criminal operations, bring fraudsters to justice and strengthen support for victims.”
Featured Image – Pexels
News
Cold case solved after 34 years as Stockport man is jailed for indecent assault and attempted rape
Emily Sergeant
A cold case has finally been solved after more than three decades, as a man has been jailed for indecent assault and attempted rape.
Aron Traynor, 56, of London Road in Stockport, was sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court last Friday (8 May 2026) for the violent indecent assault and attempted rape of a then 74-year-old woman all the way back in 1992.
The conviction follows a renewed cold case investigation by Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) Cold Case Unit, as well as advances in forensic science that allowed the evidence to be re‑examined.
The victim – who has sadly since passed away – was attacked by a stranger while walking near her home.
Despite extensive forensic work at the time, no suspect was identified, and the case remained under ‘active review’. Then in 2005, the Cold Case Unit commissioned further forensic analysis, producing a near‑complete DNA profile that was added to the National DNA Database… unfortunately though, no match was found at that time.
A breakthrough came when a DNA sample taken from Traynor following an unrelated arrest for drink-driving in August 2023 matched the profile developed by the Cold Case Unit, finally bringing long‑awaited justice for the victim’s family.
In October 2023, the Cold Case Unit was formally notified of the DNA match, and Traynor was arrested shortly afterwards.
A five‑day jury trial in March 2026 found him guilty on both charges, and last week, he was sentenced to 13 years in prison.
Speaking following Traynor’s sentencing last week, Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hughes said: “Time is quite simply no barrier to justice.
“Today’s sentencing shows that we never close investigations into serious violent or sexual offences. DNA is crucial, but it’s the painstaking work of our officers – revisiting evidence, tracing witnesses, and rebuilding the investigative picture – that ultimately brings offenders to justice.
“Offenders should be in no doubt that forensic science continues to advance, and every interaction they have with the criminal justice system increases the chance of their crimes being uncovered.”
Emily Sergeant -
25th September 2024 
