A new self-referral pathway in Somerset is helping people access specialist cancer care faster.
Launched a year ago on January 23, 2025, the system allows people with breast cancer symptoms to directly access specialist services and bypass the need for a GP appointment.
Since its launch, the pathway has seen 866 people self-refer to Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s breast diagnostic clinic.
Of those referred, 48 have been diagnosed with cancer, 34 have started treatment and 727 were found to have non-cancerous conditions.
Rosie Edgerley, cancer programme manager at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The introduction of the self-referral system is a significant step forward in supporting people with breast symptoms.
"By enabling patients to bypass their GP and be referred directly for specialist assessment, we are helping them to be seen more quickly during what can be an anxious and worrying time.
"This new pathway means patients get the reassurance or treatment they need sooner, while also easing pressure on our GP colleagues."
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust was the first in England to introduce this self-referral route, which can be accessed through NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk/check-breast-symptoms or the NHS App.
The digital triage system is designed to ensure that people receive the appropriate level of care for their symptoms.
Caroline Osborne, consultant breast surgeon at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: "This is a very exciting new self-referral pathway for people with concerning breast symptoms that will allow them to be assessed by the specialist team at the earliest opportunity.
"For most people referred, we will be able to reassure them that their symptoms are not related to breast cancer.
"There will, sadly, be some people who do have breast cancer, and for them, the 111 online referral route could result in an earlier diagnosis of breast cancer, which is something we always strive for.
"We know that when a breast cancer is diagnosed early, it gives us the best opportunity for successful treatment of the disease."
The pathway supports the NHS 10 Year Plan, which prioritises earlier diagnosis and prevention.
Shaida Tanweer, senior product manager at 111 online, said: "This is about using technology to make access simpler and safer.
"Patients get faster reassurance or diagnosis, while the NHS benefits from a more efficient pathway.
"It shows how digital-first services can deliver real change in cancer care."
More information about cancer self-referrals in Somerset is available at somersetft.nhs.uk/cancer/somerset-self-referral.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 55,500 women and 370 men diagnosed each year.
One in seven women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, with risk increasing with age.
In the UK, from the age of 50, women with no obvious symptoms are invited for a mammogram every three years to check for breast cancer.
Share