Screening

Screening is a way of finding out if people are at higher risk of a health problem. Screening acts like a filter with the people at a higher risk of having a condition being caught in it. They are then offered further tests and information to help them make the best decision.

The NHS offers three main screening programmes: cervical, breast and bowel.

Cervical screening

• Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 49, every 3 years and women and people with a cervix aged 50 to 64 years, every 5 years
• This takes places at GP surgeries and specialist screening clinics
• Invites are automatically sent out from a central hub.

Find more detailed information about cervical screening on the NHS website.

Breast Screening

• Women aged 50 to 70. Women over 70 can self refer
• This takes place in mobile breast screening vans
• Invites are automatically sent out from a central hub.

Find more detailed information about breast screening on the NHS website.

Bowel Screening

• Men and women aged 60 to 74
• A kit is sent in the post for home testing.

Find more detailed information about bowel screening on the NHS website.