UK NHS Screening Programmes
| Cancer | Programme | Who | How Often | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowel | NHS Bowel Cancer Screening | Age 60–74 (expanding to 50+) | Every 2 years | FIT (home stool test) → colonoscopy if positive |
| Cervical | NHS Cervical Screening | Women/cervix owners 25–64 | Every 3–5 years | Smear test (HPV primary screening) |
| Breast | NHS Breast Screening | Women 50–70 (some 47–73) | Every 3 years | Mammogram |
| Lung (pilot) | NHS Lung Health Check | High-risk 55–74 smokers | Offered to eligible | Low-dose CT scan (LDCT) |
| Prostate (PSA) | No national UK programme | Men >50 can request PSA | If symptoms or requested | PSA blood test + discussion |
FIT Test — Don't Ignore It
The home bowel cancer FIT test detects hidden blood in stool. Bowel cancer is highly curable at stage 1 (90% survival) but much harder to treat at stage 4. Completing the test takes 5 minutes.
HPV Vaccination Reduces Cervical CancerThe HPV vaccine (Gardasil-9) is offered to 11–13 year olds in the UK. It prevents ~90% of the HPV strains that cause cervical cancer. Vaccinated women still need cervical screening.
Is PSA screening recommended?
There is no NHS national PSA programme due to concerns about over-diagnosis. However, men over 50 (or 45 if Black or with family history) can discuss PSA testing with their GP.
What is a mammogram?
An X-ray of the breast used to detect breast cancer before it's palpable. Takes about 20 minutes; can be uncomfortable but is not harmful. Sensitivity is ~85%.
How accurate is the cervical smear?
HPV-primary cervical screening (UK current method) detects ~95% of high-risk HPV infections that can cause cervical cancer. It's more sensitive than the previous liquid-based cytology test alone.
Can I self-refer for cancer screening?
You receive NHS screening invitations automatically. For PSA testing, ask your GP. For private screening (beyond NHS programmes), you can self-refer to a private radiology or screening clinic.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.