Boots Spearheads Nationwide Lung Cancer Awareness Initiative in the UK
On February 9, 2026, UK pharmacy giant Boots launched an innovative nationwide campaign aimed at helping customers identify early signs of lung cancer. The initiative involves the placement of conspicuous signage near cold, flu, and cough medicines in all 1,800 Boots stores across the UK.
The campaign is led by lung cancer advocate Jules Fielder, who conceived the idea during her own treatment journey. The initiative has the backing of UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting and features over 4,500 Macmillan-trained Boots colleagues ready to provide expert guidance. The signs urge customers to consult a pharmacist if they experience symptoms such as a cough persisting for more than three weeks.
“There is a huge stigma attached to lung cancer, and I believe it has made awareness of the signs and symptoms, especially for women and non-smokers like me, far too low,” said Fielder. “This initiative was dreamt up during my long hours of treatment, where I felt strongly that more needed to be done.”
Claire Nevinson, Boots Superintendent Pharmacist, further explained the rationale behind the initiative: “Lung cancer can be difficult to spot in its early stages because many of the symptoms are easy to dismiss or attribute to something minor. By bringing clear, accessible information into our pharmacies and onto our shelves, we hope we encourage people to pause, take notice, and seek advice when they need it.”
With lung cancer affecting 49,000 people in the UK annually, early diagnosis significantly improves treatment and recovery rates.
Source: Boots UK