Somerset Cancer Awareness

19/06/2026

🌟 Did you know? You can self-refer for signs and symptoms! 🌟

We offer self-referral pathways, no GP or professional referral needed.

✅ Quick and easy to access

📩 Visit our website to find out how to self-refer

This is the Somerset cancer self-referral page from the Cancer sub-site of the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. Visit our website to learn more.

18/06/2026

As we reflect on Men's Health Awareness Week.

Looking after your health isn’t just about avoiding illness — it’s about living better every day 💙
When men take care of their physical and mental wellbeing, the benefits go far beyond the basics: more energy, better sleep, improved mood, stronger relationships, and a longer, healthier life.
Regular check-ups can catch problems early. Staying active boosts confidence and heart health. Opening up about mental health can relieve pressure and build resilience.
Taking care of yourself means showing up as your best self — for you and for the people who matter most.
Your health is your strength. Invest in it. 💪

17/06/2026

Know the signs. Don’t ignore your health. 💙

Prostate cancer often develops slowly and may not cause symptoms at first—but being aware of the warning signs can help with early detection.
Signs to look out for include:

✅Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
✅Difficulty starting or stopping urination
✅Weak or slow urine flow
✅Feeling like your bladder hasn’t fully emptied
✅Blood in urine or semen
✅Erectile difficulties
✅Persistent pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait—speak to your GP. Early detection saves lives.

Check in on yourself and encourage the men in your life to do the same. 💙

16/06/2026

Worried about bleeding after menopause? You can now self-refer to our Post Menopausal Bleeding (PMB) Service - no GP visit needed! 🌸
If you’ve experienced any bleeding after menopause, it’s important to get checked. While it may not always be serious, early investigation can help rule out or detect conditions early when they’re most treatable.
✅ Quick and easy self-referral
✅ No need to contact your GP
✅ Supportive, specialist care
📞 Call our Bleeding After Menopause Service between 8am-4pm, Monday to Friday: 01823 213567
🌐 Or refer online anytime
Take control of your health, don’t delay getting the support and answers you deserve 💙

15/06/2026

Men’s Health Awareness Week (15–21 June 2026)

This Men’s Health Awareness Week,let’s take a moment to put men’s health—both physical and mental—at the centre of the conversation.
Too often, men are encouraged to “just get on with it,” but looking after your health isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. Whether it’s booking that overdue GP appointment, opening up about how you’re really feeling, getting more active, or making small changes to your lifestyle, every step counts.

Men are statistically less likely to seek help for health concerns, especially when it comes to mental health. This week is about changing that narrative. It’s about checking in on yourself and on the men around you—friends, colleagues, partners, brothers, dads—and creating space for honest conversations without judgement. A simple “How are you really doing?” can make a huge difference.

Let’s raise awareness about preventable conditions, encourage early detection, and remind each other that support is always available. Looking after your health isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

💙 Take time.
💙 Speak up.
💙 Reach out.
💙 Look after yourself and each other.

14/06/2026

Every day, thousands of people living with cancer rely on blood transfusions to survive, heal, and keep fighting.🎗

From chemotherapy treatments to emergency care, blood donors are a hidden lifeline behind every recovery story.💪

This World Blood Donor Day, you have the power to give more than just blood—you give strength, time, and hope to those who need it most. 🩸

✨ One donation could mean one thing.
Be the reason someone keeps fighting today.

13/06/2026

If you’re aged 40–49 and have noticed changes in your poo, it’s important to get checked. Most symptoms won’t be cancer but ruling it out early can save lives. 💛

The Somerset Bowel Service can help if you’re experiencing:
✔ bleeding from your bottom
✔ blood in your poo
✔ changes in your toilet habits
✔ diarrhoea or constipation that doesn’t feel normal
✔ tummy pain
✔ unexplained weight loss

It’s quick and free to see if you’re eligible for a poo test.
👉 Text POO to 82228
👉 Or visit: www.somersetft.nhs.uk/cancer/somerset-bowel-service/

Please share to help raise awareness. 💙

12/06/2026

If you are registered with:
✅Ariel Healthcare
✅Church View Medical Centre
✅Langport Surgery
✅Meadows Surgery
✅Summervale Surgery

and have received an invitation to complete this assessment, we strongly encourage you to take part.💪

Heartburn is something many people experience from time to time, and in most cases it’s nothing to worry about. 🤞
However, when it becomes frequent or persistent, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition.👀

This assessment is a simple and important step in helping identify whether your symptoms need to be looked into more closely. 🔎
Early detection and reassurance can make a real difference, helping to prevent potential health problems and giving you peace of mind.🩵

By attending your appointment and taking part, you are taking a proactive step towards protecting your health—both now and in the future.🕛

11/06/2026

👀 Have you spotted our new billboard on Henford Hill, Yeovil? It’s a simple message, but an important one 💜

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it.

📱 Text ACT to 82228 to check symptoms quickly.

11/06/2026

We’re incredibly proud to share that Somerset’s self-referral for breast cancer diagnosis pathway has won the Digital Innovation Award at the first ever NHS Excellence Awards! 🌟

Launched in January 2025, this was the first service of its kind in England, allowing people with concerning symptoms to access a breast diagnostic clinic directly through NHS 111 online, without needing a GP appointment.

Since then, 1,474 people have used the service, helping speed up diagnosis, reduce pressure on GP services and, most importantly, ensure people get the care they need sooner. Of those, 78 people have been diagnosed with cancer, highlighting the vital role this pathway plays in early detection and patient safety.

This award recognises the dedication, innovation and impact of teams across Somerset who continue to improve care for our communities.

A huge congratulations to this amazing team 💙

NHS South West NHS