A new online self-referral service in Somerset is making it easier for people aged 40 to 49 to get tested for bowel cancer without having to speak to their GP first. Since its launch in November, nearly 200 people have used the service to report bowel problems and get help.
NHS data shows that about 75% of people under 50 in Somerset receive a late-stage diagnosis of bowel cancer, which is higher than the national average of 50%. The new scheme aims to catch signs earlier by allowing eligible patients to request a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) through a simple online form. The FIT test detects tiny amounts of blood in stool, which can indicate cancer.
Traditionally, patients visit their GP first and may be asked to provide a stool sample for testing. If the FIT test shows positive results, further medical checks are arranged. This new service removes the need for a GP appointment before testing, making the process faster and less stressful.
The service started in Bridgwater and has expanded to Yeovil. Plans are in place to cover the whole of Somerset by March 2026. Bridgwater has the highest rate of late-stage bowel cancer diagnosis among young people in the county, according to NHS data.
Many people avoid talking about bowel health due to embarrassment, and pressure on GP services can make timely appointments difficult. Early diagnosis of bowel cancer allows for better treatment options, less invasive procedures, and quicker recovery.
One user of the service noticed changes in bowel habits and used the online form to access testing. Doctors found and removed benign polyps, which could have turned cancerous if left untreated.
Common symptoms of bowel cancer include bleeding from the bottom, blood in the stool, changes in toilet habits, weight loss, and stomach pain. People who experience these symptoms are encouraged to seek medical advice quickly.
The self-referral form is promoted in local supermarkets, businesses, workplaces, and through advertising. People can get more information by texting the word poo to 82228 or by completing the form online.
