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Every Boots branch in the UK is to have a pharmacist trained to provide cancer advice, the company has said.

Boots UK and cancer charity Macmillan announced last week that over 4,000 staff members have trained as Boots Macmillan information pharmacists (BMIPs) and can provide free advice and support to cancer patients and their loved ones.

Training includes medical advice and emotional support, ranging from dealing with medication side effects to concerns around fertility and dietary advice. BMIPs are also trained to signpost to specialist sources of support where necessary.

Macmillan estimates that around 780,000 people living with cancer in the UK are finding it harder to access healthcare and support due to the pandemic.

Macmillan’s chief medical officer Rosie Loftus 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 is also working with Boots beauty brand No7 to help cancer patients cope with the visible side effects of treatment, with over 640 trained No7 Boots Macmillan beauty advisors currently working in stores across the UK.