Cancer Screening

Finding problems early, before symptoms start

Quick take

Cancer screening is for people who feel well.It helps find changes early, when treatment is often simpler and more effective.

Screening doesn’t diagnose cancer it’s a check, and most people have a normal result.

What is cancer screening?

Screening means testing people without symptoms to look for early signs of cancer or changes that could become cancer over time.

It’s offered to certain age groups because evidence shows it can:

• find cancer earlier

• reduce the chance of becoming very unwell

• save lives

You’re always free to choose whether or not to take part.

Which cancer screening programmes are available in the UK?

In the UK, the NHS offers screening for:

Bowel cancer

• A home test kit sent through the post

• Looks for tiny amounts of blood in poo

• Offered to people in specific age groups

👉 NHS bowel cancer screening

Breast cancer

• A mammogram (breast X‑ray)

• Offered to women in certain age ranges

👉 NHS breast screening

Cervical screening

• A test that checks for HPV (a common virus)

• Helps prevent cervical cancer

• Offered to people with a cervix

👉 NHS cervical screening

(There is currently no national screening programme for upper GI cancers awareness of symptoms and lifestyle is important instead.)

If you’re invited

Getting a screening invitation can bring up mixed feelings. That’s normal.

You don’t have to decide straight away.You can:

• read the information

• talk to your GP practice

• ask questions

Most people who attend screening do not have cancer.

Screening vs symptoms — what’s the difference?

• Screening is for people who feel well

• Symptoms should always be checked, even if you’ve had screening

If something feels new or unusual for you, it’s okay to seek advice screening doesn’t replace that.

Trusted national information

We recommend using these national sources for full details:

• NHS – cancer screening programmes

• Cancer Research UK benefits and limitations of screening

• Macmillan Cancer Support screening explained