Are you aware of what cancer testing opportunities and screening programmes are available to you? The NHS offers a range of cancer screening programs which a designed to pick up early signs of cancer through regular tests.

Screening and testing are usually offered based on age. In other words, when you reach a certain age you will be offered the chance to be tested for a certain type of cancer. Other factors that could determine if you qualify for cancer screening and testing include a family history of a certain type of cancer.

Though some testing programmes are routine in the UK, others are not and you may need to discuss with your doctor if you believe you are at risk or have symptoms of a certain type of cancer.

Find details below on the national screening opportunities open to you.

Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer screening, as known as the smear test, is a test offered between three and five years to every woman and person with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 in the UK. It helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for abnormal cells and human papillomavirus (HPV). You can book an appointment as soon as you receive your invitation from the NHS.

Breast cancer screening

In the UK, breast cancer screening involves a mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breasts, to detect early signs of cancer. The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites all women aged 50 to 71 for screening every three years, though women with a higher risk of developing breast cancer may be screened more frequently, or at younger ages. This includes women with a strong family history or who present other risk factors.

Bowel cancer screening

The NHS offers a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) kit to people aged 50 to 74. This test checks for tiny amounts of blood in a stool sample as this is one of the most common signs of bowel cancer. If the test finds blood, further tests, including a colonoscopy, may be needed to investigate what is causing it.

Lung cancer screening

Screening for lung cancer involves using a low-dose CT scan. The NHS offers a Targeted Lung Health Check (TLHC) program for individuals aged between 55 to 74 with a history of smoking. This program involves an initial health check, followed by the CT scan for those deemed at higher risk.

Prostate cancer screening

During a prostate cancer screening in the UK, a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test is done, usually followed by a digital rectal exam (DRE), and potentially an MRI scan of the prostate. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. High levels can indicate potential prostate problems, including cancer. While PSA testing is commonly used, it's not routinely recommended for all men.

Upper GI cancer screening

To test for upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, particularly stomach cancer, a patient will under go an upper endoscopy, also known as an oesophago-gastric duodenoscopy (OGD). This involves a tube with a camera and light to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Screening would only be recommended for individuals with specific risk factors, including a family history of stomach cancer, chronic gastric atrophy or certain genetic syndromes. Individuals with symptoms like unexplained weight loss, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), or upper abdominal pain should also be evaluated.