One of the NHS services that can really change your life is early screening for cancer. You can find out all about this service, who can benefit from it and how to organise a test on the NHS website.
Bowel cancer screening
Regular NHS bowel cancer screening is essential for early detection and significantly reduces the risk of dying from bowel cancer, which is the 3rd most common type of cancer. Screening can help prevent bowel cancer or find it at an early stage, when it’s easier to treat.
Screening frequency depends on your age and eligibility.
Ages 60 to 74:
If you’re between 60 and 74 years old, you’ll automatically receive an NHS bowel cancer screening kit every 2 years if you’re registered with a GP in England.
Ages 75 and Over:
If you’re 75 or older, you can request a kit every 2 years by calling the free bowel cancer screening helpline at 0800 707 60 60.
Expansion to Ages 50 to 59:
The program is gradually expanding to include everyone aged 50 to 59 years. This expansion began in April 2021 with 56-year-olds so, if you’re in this age group, you may receive a test before turning 60.
Remember to follow the instructions provided with the home test kit (faecal immunochemical test) and send your sample to the lab for analysis. Regular screening .
Bowel cancer screening – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Cervical screening (smear test)
Cervical screening, which used to be called smear test, is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. It’s offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment. You can book an appointment as soon as you get a letter. If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for a letter to book an appointment.
Age | When you’re invited |
|---|---|
Under 25 | Up to 6 months before you turn 25 |
25 to 49 | Every 3 years |
50 to 64 | Every 5 years |
65 or older | Only if a recent test was abnormal |
Cervical screening – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Breast screening
Anyone registered with the PCN as female will be invited for NHS breast screening every 3 years between the ages of 50 and 71. You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you
You’ll automatically get your first invite for breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53. Then you’ll be invited every 3 years until you turn 71.
If you’re a trans man, trans woman or are non-binary you may be invited automatically, or you may need to talk to your GP surgery or call the local breast screening service to ask for an appointment.
When you’ll be invited for breast screening and who should go – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
How to book or change a breast screening appointment – NHS (www.nhs.uk)