Boots made for talking

BOOTS has teamed up with Macmillan for a two-day scheme to offer support on cancer.

The event is part of Cancertalk Week and the Oldham town centre store will have a Macmillan cancer information specialist on hand between 10am and 2pm on Monday and Tuesday.

The move was prompted by online research carried out by YouGov on behalf of Macmillan, which found that 57 per cent of those living with cancer in the North wanted information on the long-term impact of cancer treatment on their health. Less than a third felt they received it.

A total of 56 per cent also wanted more information on how to cope with the emotional impact of their diagnosis or treatment, yet less than one in five felt they received it.

Ciarán Devane, chief executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “One in three of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage of our lives.

“With two million people now living with a cancer diagnosis in the UK, most of us are affected in some way by the disease.

“But talking honestly about cancer is hard. People can be scared of what it involves and are too often left without support and the right information to help them through their ordeal.

“Cancer information and support makes a real difference to a patient’s quality of life — helping to improve their physical and mental health, their financial situation and their ability to live with cancer.

“By bringing Cancertalk Week to the high street via Boots, we’re providing an easily accessible community resource to reach people who need it.”

As part of the three-year partnership, Macmillan aims to train 15,000 Boots pharmacists, dispensers and healthcare assistants on the issues surrounding cancer.

Anyone who would like more information but can’t be there on Monday and Tuesday, can call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808-808 0000.