The scheme was initially available to patients registered with a GP in Bridgwater and has recently been extended to Yeovil, with hopes to extend it across Somerset by March 2026.
NHS data showed the highest proportion of young people being diagnosed with late-stage bowel cancer in the county was in the Bridgwater area.
Consultant colorectal surgeon, Richard Bamford, said: "We know that people don't like talking about poo, they get a bit embarrassed by it… it's not something which is easy to do.
"We also know that people are busy and it's difficult, with the pressure our primary colleagues are under, to get to a GP practice when you need it."
He added earlier detection could lead to better outcomes and treatment, with less invasive techniques and earlier recovery.
Joanne Hull, 44, used the service five months ago by self-referring on Facebook when she noticed she was going to the toilet more frequently.
"I was scared and anxious about why [it was happening], then I had a pre-assessment by telephone, another call to arrange for a colonoscopy and that was arranged in January," she said.
Doctors found polyps (abnormal tissue growth) in Ms Hull's intestines. They were removed and taken for a biopsy, where they were found to be benign.
If left, there is a chance they could have developed into cancer.
"Having gone through it, I would recommend the scheme to anyone because it is certainly going to be a preventative measure for me going forward," she said.
"If I hadn't gone through it, who knows what would have happened in the next few years," she added.
Bowel cancer symptoms
The NHS lists the main symptoms of bowel cancer as including:
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Blood in your poo
- A change in your toilet habits – going more or less often, or having diarrhoea or constipation
- Losing weight
- Stomach pains
Online referrals have been signposted to people in a number of ways, including at supermarket pop-ups, local businesses, workplace events (including Hinkley Point C) and localised advertising placements.
Patients can text the word poo for free to 82228 for more information, or find the self-referral form online.
