Cancer screening looks for early signs of cancer in people without symptoms
We know that cancer screening saves thousands of lives each year by finding cancers at an early stage when it is easier to treat successfully.
Cancer screening is for people with no symptoms. If you have symptoms, don’t wait for a screening invitation - tell your doctor as soon as possible.
When you are invited, please go for the cancer screening test.
How do I get invited for cancer screening?
You will automatically be invited for screening if you are registered with a GP. If you haven’t had a screening invitation when you think you should, contact your GP surgery.
If you have lost your screening invitation letter or missed a screening in the past, you can still take part in screening.
There are three national screening programmes in the UK:
Bowel cancer screening is offered to people aged 54-74 in England and is gradually being expanded to invite people aged between 50 to 54.
Your NHS Guide to Bowel Cancer Screening
Video link: How to use your NHS bowel screening kit.
In addition to the 3 national screening programmes, there is also a new NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme that is slowly being introduced in certain locations for people at high risk of lung cancer.
The NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme is being introduced for people at high risk of lung cancer.
People will be invited if they are 55-74 years old and they currently smoke or used to smoke.
This programme is being rolled out across locations in Frimley ICS. You can find out more information about the local programme on the NHS Frimley Lung Cancer screening website.
More information and advice on lung cancer screening is also available from the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
You can find out more about cancer screening on the Cancer Research UK website.