People who suffer from ongoing back pain, fatigue or a cough are being urged to take their symptoms seriously as health experts warn they could be early signs of lung cancer. The warning comes as Boots launches a nationwide campaign to help shoppers recognise subtle symptoms of the disease, which often go unnoticed for months.

Individuals experiencing persistent back pain, fatigue, or a cough are being advised to take these symptoms seriously, as health professionals caution that they could be early indicators of lung cancer. This advice is part of a new initiative by Boots, which aims to help customers identify the often-overlooked signs of the disease through a nationwide awareness campaign.

The materials will appear beside everyday medicines, aiming to prompt people to seek help sooner if something doesn’t feel right.

In response, Boots is introducing health information displays in its 1,800 locations to urge customers to reconsider any persistent symptoms they may be experiencing.

These informational materials will be strategically placed near everyday medicines to encourage individuals to seek medical advice if their symptoms persist or worsen.

Further support will be available in the stores’ consultation rooms, where additional resources are provided to facilitate discussions with pharmacists.

The campaign is spearheaded by Jules Fielder, a lung cancer advocate who was inspired to launch the initiative during her own treatment journey.

She warned: “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.”

She developed the idea for the initiative during long treatment sessions, convinced that clearer information could help save lives.

She added: “A precedent has been set, and I hope more pharmacies follow as we continue to challenge that stigma.

“All you need for lung cancer is that it can happen to anyone, so signposting in shops like this will save lives.”

More than 4,500 Boots staff members have already completed Macmillan Cancer Support training so they can help customers discuss symptoms, understand treatment side effects and access support.

The training builds on a long-running partnership between Boots and Macmillan stretching back 17 years.

Mr Streeting, who has previously spoken about his own cancer battle and the loss of his grandmother to lung cancer, said Ms Fielder’s determination had a deep impact on him.

“When I met Jules for the first time, I was struck by her determination,” he said. “Jules’ story shocked me – she’s my age, she’s never smoked, and she was challenging stereotypes I didn’t even realise I held.”

He described the new campaign as “a testament to her strength” and said improving early detection remains central to the Government’s National Cancer Plan.

Mr Streeting also pointed to progress on waiting times, with 213,000 more patients now being diagnosed or having cancer ruled out quickly compared with before July 2024.

Back pain, a lingering cough, breathlessness and fatigue are among the symptoms Fielder hopes people will no longer ignore.

She says the goal is to make sure fewer people delay seeking help before it’s too late.