NHS Screening Programmes

Screening is a way of identifying apparently healthy people who may have an increased risk of a particular condition. The NHS offers a range of free screening tests to different sections of the population.

There are a number of screening programmes that are rolled out nationally across the UK, including cervical, breast and bowel screening.

Cervical screening

Cervical screening is offered to women aged 25 to 64 to check the health of cells in the cervix. It is offered every 3 years for those aged 26 to 49, and every 5 years from the ages of 50 to 64.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/

Breast screening

Breast screening is offered to women aged 50 to 70 to detect early signs of breast cancer. Women over 70 can self-refer.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-screening/

Bowel cancer screening

There are 2 types of screening for bowel cancer.

A home testing kit is offered to men and women aged 60 to 74.

Bowel scope screening uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end to look at the large bowel. It is offered to men and women at the age of 55 in some parts of England.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening/