C the Signs, in partnership with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, is proud to announce a pioneering new service designed to transform early diagnosis of endometrial (womb) cancer. Using artificial intelligence, the assessment is completed by women over 50, and if there is evidence of cancer risk, women are triaged straight away and booked in for an ultrasound scan. This UK-first pathway is accelerating earlier and faster cancer detection in post-menopausal women who are at a higher risk of endometrial cancer.

To identify women at risk of womb cancer and refer them, this innovative self-referral service allows post-menopausal women experiencing symptoms of womb cancer to refer themselves directly for testing, without needing to contact their GP first.

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women in the UK, with over 9,700 new cases diagnosed each year. When diagnosed in the early stages, five year survival rates are 90%, however in the latest stages this drops to 15%.

Patient access to diagnostic services is critical to improving earlier identification and diagnosis of patients at risk of cancer. And in instances where symptoms and signs are suggestive of cancer, streamlining the pathway and reducing the number of steps helps to accelerate time to diagnosis and time to treatment for patients.

David Milliken, consultant gynaecological oncologist at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, stated: "People will be able to get a diagnosis much earlier than before. We are seeing a year-on-year increase in referrals to our gynaecology cancer services, particularly for post-menopausal bleeding. By allowing patients to access our service directly via self-referral, we can avoid unnecessary delays and get them an appointment much more quickly."

He further explained, "This will also free up GP colleagues so they can see patients with other conditions. More than nine out of every ten women referred to our service will not have cancer. We hope this service will help to reassure the majority of people more quickly and identify those who need further treatment sooner."

Women’s health has long been neglected, with many facing barriers to timely diagnosis and care. Helen Hyndman MBE, Ask Eve Nurse Service Co-ordinator at the Eve Appeal, praised the initiative: "C the Signs' self-referral service empowers patients by raising awareness of the symptoms of womb cancer and offering those who are experiencing post-menopausal bleeding a quicker appointment, closer to home. This will help provide reassurance and should increase the chances of a womb cancer being diagnosed earlier, offering better outcomes."

The launch of this service marks a significant step forward for women’s health. It’s not just about reducing delays–it’s about empowering women with the knowledge to recognise the signs of cancer and ensuring they receive the care they need more quickly. By simplifying the route to diagnosis, C the Signs is setting a new standard for how patients can access critical diagnostic services in the NHS.

Dr. Jude Gordon, Clinical Director of C the Signs, added: "At C the Signs, our mission is to break down barriers to earlier and faster cancer diagnosis for patients. By enabling women to take control of their health and assess their symptoms, we’re ensuring faster access to specialist services, and given the right care at the right time - increasing the chances of surviving cancer."

Together with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, C the Signs is dedicated to improving access to timely diagnosis and advancing women’s health, ensuring it receives the attention and investment it truly deserves for a healthier future. Crucially, this particular service marks the beginning of an expansion in cancer self-referral pathways, with services for colorectal (bowel) and lung cancers launching this year.

To learn more about how C the Signs can accelerate cancer diagnosis in your region, contact hello@cthesigns.com.

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