Health screening programmes
Screening aims to identify health conditions at an early stage, often before symptoms develop. Screening programmes can help detect diseases early, when treatment may be more effective.
The NHS offers several national screening programmes.
Cervical Screening
Cervical screening checks the health of your cervix and helps prevent cervical cancer. Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are routinely invited for screening.
Breast screening
Breast screening uses mammograms (breast X-rays) to help detect breast cancer at an early stage. Women are usually invited every three years between the ages of 50 and 70.
Bowel Cancer Screening
Bowel cancer screening is offered to people aged 50 to 74 and can help identify signs of bowel cancer before symptoms occur.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening
Men are usually invited for AAA screening during the year they turn 65.
The test is quick, painless and helps identify problems before they become serious