Cancer Research UK Annual Review 2011/12

44 | Our supporters change lives
Tesco: sharing our vision to beat cancer
Tesco employee Sharon Chick, 43,
from Newport, knows just how
important it is for cancer to be
spotted as early as possible. ‘I owe
my life to cancer awareness and
screening,’ says the grandmother
of three who was diagnosed with
cervical cancer after a smear test.
But our report ‘Delay Kills’, funded
by Tesco, revealed that more than
three-quarters of people asked
to list possible warning signs and
symptoms of cancer failed to
mention pain, coughing or problems
with their bowels or bladder.
Not recognising symptoms or
delaying going to the doctor when
you have them means cancer is often
diagnosed late – when it can be
harder to treat. We’ve joined forces
with Tesco to change this.
Raising awareness and funds
to save lives
Tesco has chosen us as their Charity
of the Year 2012. They aim to raise
£10 million with the help of staff and
customers to fund 32 early diagnosis
projects in local communities across
the UK.
We’re also working together to help
people become more aware of the
early signs of cancer and encourage
them to visit their doctor if they
notice anything unusual.
‘If my cancer hadn’t been diagnosed
when it was, I wouldn’t be here
to tell my story,’ says Sharon.
‘There’s not much awareness of
cervical cancer – I’d do anything
to change that.’
Through our partnership we’re
reaching millions of Tesco customers,
who pass through stores each week,
with early detection messages.
This work includes putting our
leaflets on the early signs of
cancer at checkouts and in cafes.
Thanks to Tesco’s support, our
scientists can focus on even more
research to help diagnose cancer
earlier, save more lives and keep
more families together.
To see the research projects
Tesco is supporting near you,
visit cancerresearchuk.org/tesco
Over 22,000 Tesco women took part in Race for Life in 2011.