Somerset Cancer Awareness

07/04/2026

💩 Let’s talk poo...because your health matters!

Spotting changes in your stool can be an important early sign of something more serious. Check out the Bristol Stool Chart and know what’s normal for you.

04/04/2026

🌟 Meet Kate, our Macmillan Specialist Radiographer 🌟
We’re proud to shine a spotlight on the incredible work Kate does in supporting patients through their radiotherapy journey. From personalised treatment reviews to compassionate, holistic care, Kate plays a vital role in ensuring every patient feels supported, informed, and looked after throughout their treatment.
Her dedication, expertise and passion make a real difference every single day. 💚✨

02/04/2026

💜It is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month💜

Here is something most people dont talk about enough: testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15-35. And the scary part? Many ignore the signs because they feel "fine"👨

Testicular cancer doesn't always come with pain. Sometimes it is just a small change-easy to ignore, easy to put off.

But early detection makes a huge difference.🕛

So take a moment today:🎗
Check yourself. Learn your body. Trust your instincts.

And if something doesn't feel right, speak up and get it checked. That's not overreacting-it is taking care of yourself.

Lets normalise these conversations and look out for each other.👫

01/04/2026

💙April marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month💙

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, but the earlier its detected, the more treatable it is.

Knowing the symptoms and speaking up if something doesn't feel right could save your life or someone else.

Symptoms to be made aware of include:
✔ Blood in your poo
✔A change in bowel habit
✔Unexplained weight loss
✔Ongoing stomach pain or discomfort

If you notice any changes that aren't normal for you-dont ignore them-speak up.

Lets help raise awareness, encourage conversations, and support those affected this Bowel Cancer Awareness.

31/03/2026

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 💙

31/03/2026

📢 We need your help! 📢

We are planning to promote our cancer self‑referral services on buses and billboards across Somerset, and would really value your thoughts:

Is the message clear and easy to understand?
After reading it, do you know what action you’re being asked to take?
Is there anything about the wording that feels confusing or unclear?

👉 We’re not looking for feedback on the design or artwork itself – just whether the message makes sense and clearly explains what to do.

Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Your feedback will help us make sure the message works for everyone. Thank you!

📢 We’d love your help! 📢

Our Cancer Service Improvement Project team are planning to promote our cancer self‑referral service on buses and billboards across Somerset, and before they do, we’d really value your thoughts.

We’re sharing this artwork to ask:

Is the message clear and easy to understand?
After reading it, do you know what action you’re being asked to take?
Is there anything about the wording that feels confusing or unclear?

👉 We’re not looking for feedback on the design or artwork itself – just whether the message makes sense and clearly explains what to do next.

Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Your feedback will help us make sure the message works for everyone. Thank you!

30/03/2026

We’re at St John’s Baptist Church in Glastonbury from 9:30–1pm today. Come along, say hello, and discover how self‑referral could support you or someone you know. 🌼

29/03/2026

Oesophageal cancer can sometimes develop with subtle symptoms that are easy to ignore. Knowing the signs could help with earlier diagnosis.
⚠ Symptoms may include:
-Difficulty swallowing
-Persistent heartburn or acid reflux
-Unexplained weight loss
-Ongoing indigestion or chest discomfort
These symptoms can have many causes, but if they persist, it is important to speak to your GP.💙

28/03/2026

💙 You can now self-refer for a chest X-ray!
If you’re 40+ and registered with one of these Somerset GP practices:
Buttercross Health Centre • Church Street Surgery • Crewkerne Health Centre • Hamdon Medical Centre • Martock & South Petherton
✅ No need to see your GP first!
Check if you need a chest X-ray for symptoms like:
➡️ Cough
➡️ Shortness of breath
➡️ Feeling tired all the time
➡️ Chest pain
➡️ Unexplained weight loss
➡️ Loss of appetite
💻 Fill out the quick online form
📱 Text LUNG to 82228 for the link
Let’s catch problems early. Share this with someone who might benefit! 💙

26/03/2026

If you’re a woman in Somerset aged 30 or over and you’ve noticed a breast lump or certain breast changes, you can now self‑refer online without needing to see a GP first.

Check your symptoms and access help quickly via NHS 111 Online:
👉 https://111.nhs.uk/check-breast-symptoms

Please share to help others stay informed. 💙

24/03/2026

Could it be your kidneys?

These symptoms could be early signs of kidney cancer:
🚨Blood in your p*e
🚨A lump or swelling in your side
🚨Persistent pain in your lower back or side

If these are new, don’t ignore them. Speak to your GP. Early detection saves lives.

23/03/2026

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. 💙