CUSTOMERS of a Minehead supermarket are being encouraged to seek checks for early signs of cancer when they visit the store for their weekly shop.

Tesco has teamed up with the charity Cancer Research UK in a campaign which continues in the store until November 30 to help save lives by spotting cancer symptoms early.

Its pharmacists are providing information and support about the disease to raise awareness of possible symptoms of cancer, and help customers feel more confident when communicating with their doctor.

A new Cancer Research survey has shown the top three reasons people delay or put off having potential cancer symptoms checked are, thinking it will be difficult to get an appointment, believing it is unlikely to be anything serious, and deciding they can manage the symptoms themselves.

A spokesperson for the campaign said: “If somebody notices something that is unusual for them, they can have an initial conversation with a pharmacist at the Tesco store on Seaward Way in a private setting, and receive guidance on taking the next steps and booking a GP appointment if needed.”

The spokesperson said Tesco pharmacists had received specialist training from Cancer Research UK to provide support if possible signs and symptoms of cancer were detected.

Cancer Research UK chief executive Michelle Mitchell said: “Nearly one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime.

“Spotting cancer early can make all the difference so it is incredibly important that people get the support they need when they notice something that is not right for them.

“That is why we have joined forces with Tesco, to make it easier for people to talk to a professional about any concerns, and ultimately to help diagnose cancers earlier and save lives.”

Tesco health and wellness category director Tom Lye said: “We know how many barriers there can be in day-to-day life around getting health concerns checked out.

“Customers can quickly and easily see a pharmacist at one of our Tesco pharmacies.

“Using their specialist Cancer Research UK training, pharmacists can have a confidential conversation about any worrying symptoms which could support customers in getting an earlier cancer diagnosis.”

Data from Cancer Research UK highlights why spotting cancer early is so important.

Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK, but about nine in 10 people in England will survive the disease for five years or more if they are diagnosed at the earliest stage, compared to around one in 10 at the latest stage.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “Across England, just over half of cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage, 55.3 per cent, but this varies by region due to a number of factors such as some areas having higher numbers of cases of cancer types that can be harder to spot early, like lung cancer.

“Tesco pharmacists are available all year round, supporting anybody experiencing symptoms so that they can discuss what steps to take next.”