• A quarter (26%) of people living with cancer in the UK are finding it harder to access general healthcare and treatment as a result of the pandemic
• People living with cancer can now access dedicated support in every Boots pharmacy
• Boots has expanded the number of specialist Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists that can offer advice and support 
• Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors are also on hand to provide health and beauty advice  

People living with cancer are now just minutes away from support thanks to the introduction of a Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist (BMIP) in each Boots pharmacy in the UK. The specially trained BMIPs can offer free information, support and advice to cancer patients and their friends and family.

Boots, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, has trained over 4,000 BMIPs. Their training covers a mix of medical and emotional support and equips them to help patients on a range of subject matters, from medication concerns and side effects of treatment through to fertility and what to eat to live well with cancer. They can also guide people to more specialist sources of information and support, both locally and nationally, depending on their needs. 

The news comes as research by Macmillan estimates there are more than three quarters of a million (780,000) people living with cancer in the UK who are finding it harder to access general healthcare and treatment as a result of the pandemic. 

Sanjay Nathwani, a Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist, said: “BMIPs are specially trained to provide support on the high street for patients, families and communities affected by cancer. Being able to answer questions, provide support or simply talk to someone who understands can make a real difference at a very difficult time.”

Rosie Loftus, Chief Medical Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “No matter who you are or where you are, it is imperative that everyone living with cancer can access the support they need, when they need it. We are delighted that the Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist service is now more accessible than ever as thousands more people with cancer will be able to access this vital source of support. Our partnership with Boots is helping us to find ever better ways of supporting people with cancer and their loved ones and we look forward to continuing this crucial work together.”

Macmillan and No7 also work in partnership to empower and equip patients who are going through treatment for cancer and experiencing visible side effects to overcome these so they continue to look and feel like themselves. Over 640 specially trained No7 Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors are available for advice and support at Boots stores across the UK.