Cancer screening programmes

Screening is a way of identifying apparently healthy people who have a risk of a particular cancer. It enables precancerous conditions and also early cancers to be identified. This enables treatment to start as soon as possible to prevent cancer developing or growing further.

There are currently the following screening programmes through the NHS.

Cervical screening

Offered to all women/people with a cervix, aged 25-64 and it checks the health of the cells of the cervix.

Find out more on the NHS website.

Breast screening

Offered to women aged 50-70 to detect early signs of cancer on mammography.

Find out more on the NHS website.

Bowel screening

Offered to everyone aged 60-74 and involves a home testing kit to help detect early bowel cancer.

Find out more on the NHS website.

Attending screening appointments

It is really important to attend for screening appointments when you are invited to attend. If you have any concerns please speak to a healthcare professional who can support you.