Hundreds use new breast cancer diagnosis service

Hundreds of people have used a breast cancer diagnosis service, which people can self-refer themselves to, since it launched a year ago.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has found more than 850 people have used the clinic. Of those, 48 were diagnosed with cancer, with 34 progressing onto treatment.

Patients can access the service through NHS 111 online or via the NHS App. They say the scheme's success shows how "digital-first services" can make access to support and treatment "simpler and safer".

Mina Leutycz, 40, from Bridgwater was seen within two weeks of finding a lump which she said was reassuring and helped get her worry "out of her head" and "move on" with her life.

After being advised to go through 111 she said the two-week wait for a check up with a specialist "was a reasonable amount of time".

During her screening they confirmed it was a cyst that was "nothing to worry about".

"I was so worried and scared, but what they said was very reassuring and they were very caring.

"Go and contact the doctors as soon as possible, there's no reason to wait you just need to get it out of your head and move on with your life," she added.

Shaida Tanweer from 111 online said the new scheme 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," she said.

"It shows how digital-first services can deliver real change in cancer care."

The trial is the first of its kind in the country and is ongoing.

According to the NHS, one in seven women in the UK develop breast cancer during their lifetime and it is more common in older women.

Rosie Edgerley, cancer programme manager at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said the new service enables patients to "bypass their GP" during "what can be an anxious and worrying time".

Somerset NHS consultant breast surgeon Caroline Osborne said: "We know that when a breast cancer is diagnosed early, it gives us the best opportunity for successful treatment."

"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."

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