20th January 2026

NEW: Somerset Introduces Convenient Cancer Self-Referral Services

Somerset residents can now access key cancer-related health services without needing an initial GP appointment, thanks to new self-referral options.

This initiative aims to make it easier and faster for patients to get evaluated for potential cancer symptoms. The services available for self-referral include:

• Bleeding After Menopause Service

  Women registered with a Somerset GP and meeting one or more the criteria below can self-refer if they experience post-menopausal bleeding, bypassing the need to see a GP first.

• • have been through the menopause (no periods for a minimum 12 months)
  • have not had their womb (uterus) removed

• Somerset Bowel Service

  Anyone aged 40 to 49 with one or more of the symptoms below can self-refer for a test to check for hidden blood in their stool, a potential indicator to rule out cancer:

• • bleeding from your bottom
  • blood in your poo
  • a change in your pooing habits. You might be going more or less often, or have diarrhoea or constipation that might come and go
  • losing weight but you’re not sure why
  • a pain in your tummy

• Somerset Chest X-ray Service

  Adults over 40 registered with a Somerset GP can self-refer for a chest X-ray if you have one or more of the following symptoms: 

• • a cough lasting more than 3 weeks
  • chest pains
  • feeling short of breath or difficulty in breathing
  • unexplained tiredness
  • loss of your appetite
  • weight loss you can’t explain

• Breast Lump Symptoms

  People over 30 meeting the criteria below can self-refer online through NHS 111 without first visiting a GP:

• • have painless breast lumps
  • are worried about skin or nipple changes
  • are not pregnant

These services are designed to streamline access to vital cancer evaluations and reduce delays in diagnosis.

For more details, visit the official Somerset cancer self-referral page.