What is Screening?
Screening is a way of identifying apparently healthy people who may have an increased risk of a particular condition. The NHS offers a range of screening tests to different sections of the population.
The aim is to offer screening to the people who are most likely to benefit from it.
For example, some screening tests are only offered to newborn babies, while others such as breast screening and abdominal aortic aneurysm screening are only offered to older people.
Cervical Screening
Cervical screening is offered to women aged 25 to 64 to check the health of cells in the cervix. It is offered every 3 years for those aged 26 to 49, and every 5 years from the ages of 50 to 64.
For those overdue cervical screening
Our records show that you are overdue cervical screening. Please contact the surgery to book an appointment for your smear test. We are taking the necessary precautions with regards to COVID-19, so please do not let concerns over coronavirus cause you to delay your appointment.
You can find out more about the National Cervical Screening Programme here www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/.
Bowel Cancer Screening
There are 2 types of screening for bowel cancer.
A home testing kit is offered to men and women aged 60 to 74.
Bowel scope screening uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end to look at the large bowel. It is offered to men and women at the age of 55 in some parts of England.
For those overdue bowel screening
Our records show that you are overdue bowel screening. Please contact the National Bowel Screening Helpline by calling 0800 707 6060 to organise for a kit to be sent out to you.
You can find out more information about the National Bowel Screening Programme here www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening/and www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/screening/.
Breast Screening
Breast screening is offered to women aged 50 to 70 to detect early signs of breast cancer. Women over 70 can self-refer.
You can find out more information about the National Breast Screening Programme at www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-screening/.
As well as screening, regular self-examination is advised. Please see the following website for further information www.breastcancernow.org/information-support/have-i-got-breast-cancer/signs-symptoms-breast-cancer.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening
AAA screening is offered to men in their 65th year to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms (a dangerous swelling in the aorta). Men over 65 can self-refer.
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Test
Before you have a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test you will need to confirm that you have not:
Got symptoms of, or are on treatment for, an active urinary infection.
Ejaculated in previous 48 hours.
Exercised vigorously in previous 48 hours.
Had a prostate biopsy in previous six weeks.