Everything you need to know about cancer screening

According to Cancer Research UK, cancer screening has saved around 90,000 lives in the last five years. If you’re eligible for a free NHS cancer screening, it’s vital to take up the offer - it could be the difference between early treatment and a life-threatening diagnosis.

What is cancer screening?

Cancer screening is used to identify early signs of cancer in people who aren’t showing any symptoms.

Dr Alexandra Moorhouse, Private GP, Wellsoon, Practice Plus Group, UK explains that national cancer screening programmes mean that people who might be vulnerable to certain cancers are invited to attend a screening test.

"These tests are performed before symptoms appear," she says. "It means we can often catch cancers at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful."

Dr Alexandra Moorhouse, Private GP, Wellsoon, Practice Plus Group, UK

Types of cancer screening tests

In the UK, the NHS offers three main cancer screening programmes, each designed to detect specific types of cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective.

Cervical screening

Cervical screening is offered every five years to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 to check for strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) that are most likely to cause cancer.

"HPV is a common type of virus that can be transmitted through sexual contact," explains Moorhouse. "There are many different types of HPV, but only some are linked to a greater chance of developing certain types of cancers - including cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vaginal and vulval cancers."

Moorhouse says that the cervical screening programme detects the presence of HPV strains more likely to cause issues by analysing a sample collected with a small brush gently swept over the surface of your cervix.

"If there are no abnormal cells present, then the cervical screening is repeated in one year and goes through the same process," Moorhouse explains. "If there are abnormal cells, then you are invited for a procedure at your local hospital to look more closely at your cervix. This is called a colposcopy.

"If your cervical screen tests positive for high-chance HPV, for more than two years, even if there are no abnormal cells, you will also be invited for a colposcopy, just to be safe."

Breast screening

Breast screening is offered every three years to women and people aged 50 to 71.

Moorhouse explains that this involves using a mammogram - a specialised type of X-ray - to pinpoint early signs of breast cancer.

She says: "Although people over 71 are not invited for breast screening automatically, if they wish to continue to have screening every 3 years, they can arrange this through their local breast screening service.

"People under 50 who are concerned about having a high chance of breast cancer should talk to their doctor about further investigation, as this sits outside the usual national screening programme."

Bowel screening

Bowel screening is offered every two years to people aged 50 to 74. This is done at home using a simple test kit that arrives by post.

"Bowel cancer screening uses something called a faecal immunochemical test (FIT)," says Moorhouse. "It involves sending a small sample of your poo using the kit provided to be tested. This is to detect tiny amounts of blood in your poo, often far too tiny for people to easily see, that could be a sign of bowel cancer."

Moorhouse adds that if you wish to be screened beyond the age of 75 you can contact the bowel cancer screening helpline to access a FIT kit.

"If you are concerned that you have symptoms that might be suggestive of bowel cancer at any age, do not wait for your screening kit," she advises. "Approach your doctor to discuss the best course of action."

Other forms of cancer

Some types of cancer screening are not part of national programmes but may be available through your local surgery.

Moorhouse says: "These include screening for prostate cancer in men who are either concerned about their chance of developing it, or who have new urinary symptoms.

Benefits of cancer screening

The greatest benefit of cancer screening is that it can detect signs of cancer early, so your treatment can start sooner, when it’s more likely to be successful.

Moorhouse explains that in some cases - such as bowel or cervical screening - it can even detect pre-cancerous changes that can be addressed before cancer develops.

"Screening also offers reassurance, giving people peace of mind when results are normal," she says. "Certain cancers - such as cervical, bowel and breast - show a clear benefit from screening, with earlier detection linked to significantly higher survival rates."

According to Moorhouse, screening has been shown to significantly reduce the number of deaths for some cancers such as breast, bowel, and cervical cancer.

"Screening is especially valuable in these cancers because they often don't cause symptoms until the more advanced stages," she says. "It can sometimes detect cancer before it even develops. That is why taking part in routine screening - even when you feel well - is so important."

Where can I get a free cancer screening?

Cancer screening is free through the NHS, and you’ll receive an invitation by post automatically when you become eligible - based on your age and the national screening schedule.

"If a letter is missed or someone thinks they may be overdue, a quick call to your surgery can check and help you rebook," says Moorhouse. "Cervical screening appointments can also be booked directly at most surgeries, even without a reminder letter.

"Likewise, breast screening letters are sent in the post to eligible people, inviting them to make a screening appointment. Bowel cancer screening FIT kits are sent out and returned by post."

How do you get screened for cancer?

When cancer screening starts depends on national guidelines and the age at which each test becomes available to you.

Moorhouse explains: "In the UK, NHS cervical screening typically starts at age 25, and usually people who are eligible will receive a letter just before their 25th birthday.

"Breast screening is offered every three years to women starting at age 50, although there are trials looking at starting this earlier. Bowel cancer screening typically starts at 50 also."

Be sure to read the details in your screening invitation carefully, and consult your doctor if you have a family history of certain cancers. Some people may require cancer screening outside the routine national programme or at an earlier age than typically recommended.

Private cancer screening

If you're worried about developing cancer and don’t want to wait for a routine invitation, you can choose to pay for a private screening.

Moorhouse explains that, unlike NHS screening programmes - which have specific age ranges and eligibility criteria - private healthcare providers can often offer scans based on personal choice or individual factors.

"For example, if you have a strong family history of cancer or are experiencing unusual symptoms but don't yet meet the age threshold for NHS screening," she says.

Consult your doctor

It's completely natural to feel concerned about developing any of the cancers mentioned above - or those not currently covered by national screening programmes, such as prostate or skin cancer.

Moorhouse advises that if you're looking for some peace of mind, you can always speak to your doctor. They can help assess your symptoms and arrange any relevant checks if needed.

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