Somerset Cancer Awareness

21/09/2025

Our lovely Cancer Support Workers at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust run a support group for all patients and their families affected by cancer. These relaxed sessions run for 2 hours on the last Thursday of each month in Taunton where you can drop in and have a chat with a Cancer Support Worker and other people affected by cancer and grab yourself some free tea, coffee and biscuits.

The next one is Thursday 25th September from 2-4pm at the World's End Pub in Taunton. Come and join us for a free Tai Chi session.

You can find out more about this and other local support groups for cancer patients and their carers at https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/cancer/cancer-support-workers/somerset-and-local-in-person-support-groups/

19/09/2025

🌟 Donate or Create – Make a Difference! 🌟

A huge thank you to everyone who has previously donated, unfortunately our stock of second-hand headwear and PICC line covers is running low again, and we’d be very grateful for your help!

💚 Got good-quality headwear you no longer need? Or spare fabric like stretch cotton or viscose? You can donate it to the Macmillan Information Hub at the Beacon Centre – every item goes toward supporting cancer patients with comfort and dignity.

🧵 Love to sew? Why not get creative and make your own headwear to donate? We’ve got free patterns available to help you get started!

Whether you drop by, donate, or craft – your kindness makes a real impact. 🙌✨

18/09/2025

🚽 Put it by the loo — because bowel cancer doesn’t wait.

The NHS bowel screening kit is quick, easy, and could save your life. It’s designed to detect early signs of bowel cancer before symptoms appear — and the best place to remember to do it? Right by the loo.

If you’re aged 60 to 74 (or 50+ in some areas), you’ll receive a kit in the post every two years. Don’t ignore it. Do the test. Send it back.

💚 Early detection saves lives. 📦 Complete it. Return it. Protect your health.

17/09/2025

Jess and Rosie, two of our cancer managers, met with Ashley Fox recently to discuss Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s work to improve early cancer detection in Somerset.

You can now self-refer for checks relating to womb, colorectal, lung, and breast cancer, without needing to go through a GP first.

This initiative is already saving lives with more than 33 cancers diagnosed since it began, and it will help more people get the early treatment they need.

For more information on symptoms and how to self-refer, visit 👇
www.somersetft.nhs.uk/cancer/somerset-self-referral

I recently met with Jess Barton and Rosie Edgerley from Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to hear about their work to improve early cancer detection here in Somerset.

You can now self-refer for checks relating to womb, colorectal, lung, and breast cancer, without needing to go through a GP first.

This initiative is already saving lives with more than 33 cancers diagnosed since it began, and it will help more people get the early treatment they need.

For more information on symptoms and how to self-refer, visit 👇
www.somersetft.nhs.uk/cancer/somerset-self-referral

15/09/2025

🚫 MYTH: Vaccines cause cancer.
✅ FACT: Vaccines train your immune system — they don’t harm it.

Vaccines don’t cause cancer — in fact, some prevent it.
💉 The HPV vaccine helps prevent cervical, a**l, throat & other cancers.
💉 The HBV vaccine protects against liver cancer.

Vaccines save lives. They help your body fight disease — not cause it. 💪

12/09/2025

🎗️ Cervical Cancer: Know the Symptoms
Don’t ignore what your body is telling you.

⚠️ Common signs include:
🔹 Unusual vaginal bleeding (after s*x, between periods, or after menopause)
🔹 Changes in discharge
🔹 Pain during s*x
🔹 Pelvic pain

These symptoms don’t always mean cancer — but it’s important to get them checked. Early detection can save lives. 💙

🎗️ Cervical Cancer: Know the Symptoms
Don’t ignore what your body is telling you.

⚠️ Common signs include:
🔹 Unusual vaginal bleeding (after s*x, between periods, or after menopause)
🔹 Changes in discharge
🔹 Pain during s*x
🔹 Pelvic pain

These symptoms don’t always mean cancer — but it’s important to get them checked. Early detection can save lives. 💙

10/09/2025

Got a cough that won’t go away?

From today, if you’re over 40 and registered with a GP in Bridgwater, Chard, Langport or Ilminster you can now self-refer for a free chest X-ray.

No GP appointment needed. Check your lungs, check your health!

Text LUNG to 82228 or scan the QR code to get started.

09/09/2025

🫁 Patients in Bridgwater aged 40+ can now self-refer for a chest X-ray — no GP appointment needed. Patients in Bridgwater are now able to self-refer for a chest x-ray to help detect lung cancer earlier.

The Somerset Chest X-Ray Service has launched this summer and means patients aged 40 and over who are experiencing symptoms such as a persistent cough, breathlessness, or unexplained weight loss, and are registered with a Bridgwater GP practice, can log onto the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust website and fill out an online referral form. The service is already having a significant impact for patients across the town as by having an earlier investigation without the need to see a GP first, people have been identified with suspected cancers at an earlier point, which is in turn improving their likely health outcome.

This new chest x-ray service forms part of a series of developments across Somerset, moving from a**logue to digital, to support early cancer diagnosis, easing the pressure on GP practices, and reducing health inequalities, by improving access to vital diagnostic services.

🔗 Check if you're eligible and refer yourself here:
👉 somersetft.nhs.uk/cancer/somerset-chest-x-ray-service

08/09/2025

🚫 MYTH: There’s no cancer in my family, so I won’t get it.
✅ FACT: Most cancers aren’t inherited.

While some cancers run in families, the vast majority are caused by changes to your DNA over time — due to ageing, lifestyle, or environment.

🧬 Ongoing research is exploring genetic risks, but don’t rely on family history alone. Know your body, go to screenings, and speak up about symptoms.

04/09/2025

It's Gynae Cancer Awareness Month so it's time to get to know the five gynae cancers and their signs and symptoms!

The five gynaecological cancers are:
-womb
-ovarian
-cervical
-vulval
-vaginal

Together, they affect 22,050 women and people with gynae organs each year in the UK. That is 60 people a day, and sadly 21 of them die too soon.

If you have any of these symptoms, or notice any changes to your body that aren't normal for you, get them checked out by a doctor.

It's more likely to be caused by something less serious than cancer, but it's worth getting checked, just in case! The earlier cancer is found, the more treatment options are available and the best possible chance you have of successful treatment.

We have lots more information on the five gynae cancers on our website: https://eveappeal.org.uk/information-and-advice/gynaecological-cancers/

If you have any other questions or worries, you can speak to our Ask Eve Nurses for free and confidential information and support. Email them on nurse@eveappeal.org.uk, call 0808 802 0019.

01/09/2025

🎗️ Check it on the First! 🎗️
Your monthly reminder to take 5 minutes for a self-exam.

Why?
🔍 Early detection saves lives.
💪 Knowing what’s normal for you helps you notice what’s not.

👋 Not sure how to check? Plenty of reliable guides are available at www.nhs.uk

📅 Set a recurring reminder:
👉 Every month.
👉 On the 1st.
👉 Just you and your health.

30/08/2025

Know What’s Normal
Checking your testicles regularly can help you spot any unusual changes early.

Start by gently holding your sc***um in the palm of your hand, this helps you get familiar with how things usually feel.

💡 It only takes a minute. Do it monthly.
🎯 Early detection of testicular cancer = 98% survival rate