Cancer Screening: It Could Save Your Lie

Cancer can affect anyone but finding it early can make a real difference. 

Screening is offered to people who may feel completely well and have no symptoms. Its purpose is to identify early changes or signs of cancer when treatment can often be more effective.

There are three national NHS cancer screening programmes:

• Bowel cancer screening is offered to adults aged 50-74 every two years.  This screening is called a FIT test and looks for traces of blood in your poo. A screening kit will be posted to you so you can complete it at home and return it in the post.  You can continue to be screened every two years if you’re aged 75 or over, but you need to call the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060 and ask for the test.
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• Breast screening (mammogram) is offered to women aged 50-70 every three years and aims to detect breast cancer at an early stage, before it can be felt or noticed. If you are aged 71 or over, you will not automatically be invited for breast screening. However, you do have the right to free screening every three years if you ask. Just contact your local breast screening unit to make an appointment. Visit www.nhs.uk to look up details of your local unit.
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• Cervical screening which used to be called a smear test, is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. All women aged 25 to 64 are invited for cervical screening every 5 years. Everyone with a cervix should be offered screening. A small sample of cells will be taken from the cervix. The sample is checked for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix. These are called high risk types of HPV.  If these types of HPV are found, the sample is checked for any changes in the cells of your cervix. These can be treated to help prevent cervical cancer.
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• Lung Cancer Screening will begin in Cheshire East early 2027.  People who are aged 55 – 74, who have ever smoked will be invited for their screening.
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If you receive a screening invitation, please don’t put it to one side and forget about it. Take a few minutes to read the information and arrange your appointment or complete the test. If you have concerns or questions, speak to your GP or healthcare professional.

If you notice something that is unusual for you, don’t wait for a screening invitation  Symptoms such as an unexplained lump, unusual bleeding, a persistent change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or a cough that does not go away after three weeks should be discussed with your GP.

Screening is about looking after yourself and those you care about. Please take up your invitation when it arrives.