Somerset Cancer Awareness

17/03/2026

Nicks Story- Why Getting Checked Matters✔

Nick never expected a few small symptoms to turn his life upside down. What started as occasional discomfort and persistent heartburn was easy to ignore at first. Like many people he thought it would pass. But when the symptoms didn't go away- he made the decision to get checked.

That decision saved his life🎗

Nick was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer- a disease that often has early very subtle early signs.

Nick now shares this story to help others understand just how important it is to listen to your body.💙

Persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or food feeling stuck are not symptoms to ignore. They might be nothing serious, but getting checked can make all the difference.

Early diagnosis can save lives.🎗

Please share this post to help spread the word. Someone you know might need to see it.🎗

16/03/2026

✨ Today we celebrate National Cancer Nurse Specialist Day! ✨

Our incredible Cancer Nurse Specialists play a vital role in supporting patients throughout their cancer journey. Their advanced skills, dedication, and compassionate care help ensure continuity, guidance, and reassurance from diagnosis onward.
From providing expert advice to improving services within their specialities, their impact is truly invaluable. We’re grateful for everything they do for our patients, families, and wider community.

💙 Please join us in recognising and thanking our Cancer Nurse Specialists for the outstanding work they do every single day.

14/03/2026

🎗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.💙

13/03/2026

Mark & Neil's Journey: Prostate Cancer Awareness

Mark and his brother-in-law, Neil, share their powerful experiences after both being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Neil's diagnosis came over 5 years ago, while Mark's came more recently. But through it all, they stress the importance of early detection and support.

Mark shares how a routine hypertension review led to a PSA test, which ultimately saved his life. He emphasizes how vital it is to listen to your body and speak up about any changes—no matter how small they seem.

Both Mark and Neil talk about the invaluable support they received from the NHS and how having someone who’s been through the journey—like Neil—helped Mark cope. They also highlight the benefits of joining a walk and talk cancer support group with others in similar situations, making the process less isolating.

Watch their story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P6I6Q0jE5k

It's a reminder to all of us: early detection, communication, and support can make all the difference.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

11/03/2026

🧠Know the Signs of Brain Cancer🧠

Brain cancer symptoms can be confusing, subtle, or similar to many other health conditions — but it’s important to listen to your body and get anything unusual checked by a GP.

Common symptoms can include:
🧠 Persistent or severe headaches
🧠 Seizures or fits
🧠 Feeling or being sick (especially in the morning)
🧠 Vision changes — blurred, double vision, or loss of peripheral vision
🧠 Weakness, numbness, or tingling in parts of the body
🧠 Problems with balance or coordination
🧠 Personality or behaviour changes
🧠 Memory problems or difficulty concentrating
🧠 Sp*ech difficulties
🧠 Unexplained fatigue

These symptoms can be caused by many things — most of them not cancer.
But if they’re new, persistent, or getting worse, it’s important to speak to your GP.

💬 If cancer is the cause, early detection can improve treatment options and outcomes.

👉 Trust your instincts. Notice the changes. Reach out for help.
Awareness saves lives. 💛🧠

09/03/2026

💙 You can now self-refer for a chest X-ray!
If you’re 40+
✅ 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! 💙

07/03/2026

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. 💙

06/03/2026

💚 Know the Signs of Ovarian Cancer

The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle, common, and easy to overlook — but your body’s signals matter.

Common symptoms include:
⚠️ Persistent bloating or a swollen tummy
⚠️ Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
⚠️ Pelvic or tummy pain
⚠️ Needing to p*e more often or more urgently
⚠️ Changes in bowel habits
⚠️ Unexplained tiredness, weight loss, or bleeding

These symptoms can be caused by many different conditions — most of them not cancer. But if something feels unusual for you, it’s important to speak to your GP.

💬 Getting checked early can make a real difference. If these symptoms are due to ovarian cancer, finding it sooner means treatment may be more effective.

👉 Listen to your body. Trust your instincts. Seek advice early.
Early awareness saves lives. 💚

05/03/2026

05/03/2026

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. 💙

03/03/2026

🎗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 💙

28/02/2026

If you are registered with a GP Practice in Bridgwater and have received an invitation to come forward and have this check, your GP recommends that you attend.

Heartburn symptoms are common, but in some cases when they persist they can sometimes indicate something underlying.
If you have been invited to take part, please dont ignore this opportunity.
Taking part in this check could help protect your health now and in the future.