Boots UK and Macmillan Cancer Support Launch New Role to Help Millions Access Cancer Information

NOTTINGHAM, England, September 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

According to new research* almost a third of people affected by cancer felt that they had insufficient information and support outside of their healthcare team. Boots UK and Macmillan have specially trained over 500 Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists to help improve the lives of those affected by cancer**. They will be available in many Boots stores to help connect people to information and support in their local area.

The launch of the Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist is the first time that the role of a pharmacist has been extended to include this type of cancer information and support. It is estimated that 2 million people are currently living with or beyond cancer in the UK and this is anticipated to increase to 4 million by 2030***. As the demand for cancer health care is set to rise, the launch of this innovative pharmacy role aims to help the millions of people affected by cancer access the information and support they need, in an accessible and trusted environment.

Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive of Macmillan, commented: "The Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists are the next stage in what is already a strong and sector-leading partnership that we both are extremely proud of. Macmillan and Boots UK believe that by sharing expertise and working together, we can reach even more of the millions of people affected by cancer than we are currently."

The research also showed that nearly three quarters (74%) of people living with cancer felt that the information and support they received outside of their healthcare team made them better equipped to understand their cancer experience:

• 92% felt it had a positive impact on their emotional, physical or financial well being
• 51% felt able to understand more about their cancer and their experience of it
• 48% felt able to make decisions that were right for them

Alex Gourlay, Chief Executive of Health & Beauty Division, Alliance Boots, added: "The introduction of the Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist means that for the millions of customers that visit Boots pharmacies across the country, they can access increased cancer information and support. The findings from this research highlight just how important accessing the right information at the right time can be for people affected by cancer and the role it can play in helping them to manage their condition."

Visit http://www.boots.com/cancer to find your nearest Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist. For cancer support contact Macmillan on 0808 808 0000 or visit http://www.macmillan.org.uk.

Notes to Editors:

* Unless otherwise stated all figures are from a YouGov survey of 1,001 adults who were diagnosed with cancer a year ago or longer

** Boots UK data on file

*** Internal analysis by Macmillan Cancer Support taken from and based on Maddams J, et al. Cancer prevalence in the United Kingdom: estimates for 2008. British Journal of Cancer. 2009. 101: 541-547

Research methodology

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1001 adults (18+) who have been diagnosed with cancer a year ago or longer. Fieldwork was undertaken between 21st August and 28th August 2012. The survey was carried out online. The figures have not been weighted.

In the survey, the term 'healthcare team' referred to the clinical team who delivered the respondent's treatment, excluding community pharmacists.

About the Macmillan Cancer Support and Boots UK partnership:

Macmillan Cancer Support and Boots UK are working together to improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer. Through the partnership, Boots is introducing bespoke training for its pharmacists, healthcare colleagues and No7 advisors to help deliver more ways for people affected by cancer to get information and support on the high street, in local communities and online. Boots colleagues and customers have already raised £4.4 million for Macmillan over two years. For more information, visit macmillan.org.uk/boots.

PR Contact:
Nicole Taylor
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Boots.com
1 Thane Road
Nottingham
NG2 3AA
+44(0)115-9508508
http://www.webmd.boots.com