Bowel Cancer Screening
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, and detecting it at the earliest stage makes you up to nine times more likely to be successfully treated. But, almost one third of people who were sent an NHS bowel cancer screening test in England last year did not go on to complete it.
Just a tiny sample detects signs of cancer before you notice anything wrong. The test is simple to complete and can be done in the privacy of your own bathroom. Watch our video to find out more.
It is also available in 15 different languages.
Anyone aged 60 to 74 who lives in England and is registered with a GP practice will be sent a test in the post automatically, every two years. NHS England is also extending this to include all 50 to 59 year-olds by 2025.
So, the NHS is asking anyone who is sent a bowel cancer screening test to remember to complete it. Put it by the loo. Don’t put it off. Your next poo could save your life.
Visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening/ for more information. Watch the campaign video for more information.
This short video explains how a Bowel Screening Test can save your life.
Bowel Screening Test
Bowel Screening is a check for cancer of the bowels. These are internal organs inside your body.
Bowel cancer screening is offered to everyone aged 60 to 74 every 2 years.
People eligible for bowel cancer screening get an invitation letter and an information leaflet.
A testing kit will be sent in the post about a week later. It will include instructions on how to use it at home.
The bowel screening programme will gradually invite everyone aged 50 to 59 years.
People over 74 years can ask for a screening kit every 2 years by calling the free helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
For more information about cancer screening and symptom awareness visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-screening
Breast Screening
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer.
About 1 in 7 women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. There's a good chance of recovery if it's detected at an early stage.
For this reason, it's vital that women check their breasts regularly for any changes and always have any changes examined by a GP.
In rare cases, men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. Find out more about breast cancer in men.
For further information please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer/
Breast Screening Test
Breast screening is a test to check for cancer of the breast.
Women are invited for breast screening every 3 years between 50 and 71 years.
The first invitation to screening is sent some time between your 50th and 53rd birthday.
People aged 71 or over do not receive breast screening invitations but can still have a screen every 3 years.
An appointment can be arranged by calling 020 3748 2024.
The breast screening X-ray (mammogram) is done at a clinic or mobile breast screening unit.
For more information about cancer screening and symptom awareness visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-screening
Prostate Cancer
Symptoms of prostate cancer do not usually appear until the prostate is large enough to affect the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra).
When this happens, you may notice things like:
- an increased need to pee
- straining while you pee
- a feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied
These symptoms should not be ignored, but they do not mean you have prostate cancer.
It's more likely they're caused by something else, such as prostate enlargement.
For further information please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/
Cervical screening
Cervical screening is offered to all women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 to check the health of cells in the cervix. It is offered every 3 years for those aged 25 to 49, and every 5 years from the ages of 50 to 64.
The video below will give information in different languages https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNCkfoH3HGc1sXPZ74QXqQapcYb7I9XlY
For further information please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/
Cervical Screening Test
Cervical screening is a check to prevent cancer of the cervix.
Invitations are sent by post to all women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 years.
They are sent:
- every 3 years (25 to 49 years)
- every 5 years (50 to 64 years)
The letter will ask you to book an appointment by phone.
Trans men (registered as male with their GP) are not sent invitations automatically but they can still be screened if they have a cervix.
For more information about cancer screening and symptom awareness visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-screening