NHS Cancer Screening Programmes
| Screening | Age Range | Frequency | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cervical | 25-49 / 50-64 | Every 3 years / 5 years | Smear test (HPV primary) |
| Breast | 50-71 | Every 3 years | Mammogram |
| Bowel | 50-74 (rolling out from 50) | Every 2 years | FIT (stool test) home kit |
| AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm) | 65 (men) | One-time | Ultrasound |
NHS Health Check
Offered to adults aged 40-74 without an existing cardiovascular condition, every 5 years. Checks blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, and calculates your 10-year cardiovascular risk (QRISK), plus lifestyle advice and referral to weight management or smoking cessation services if needed.What's NOT Routinely Screened in the UK
- PSA (prostate) — available on request after counselling, not a routine call-recall programme
- Lung cancer — pilot programmes exist in some areas for high-risk smokers, not yet universal
- Full body scans — not part of NHS screening; private options exist but with limited evidence of benefit
- Ovarian cancer — no effective population screening test currently exists
Don't Wait for an Invitation If ConcernedNHS screening invitations are sent automatically based on age, but if you have symptoms or specific concerns between screening rounds, always contact your GP rather than waiting for your next scheduled screening invitation.
I haven't received my NHS Health Check invitation — what should I do?
Contact your GP practice directly — they can arrange this. Coverage of these checks can vary regionally, and not everyone receives an automatic invitation.
Can I request a PSA test in the UK?
Yes — men over 50 can request a PSA test from their GP after being counselled on the pros and cons, even though it's not part of routine call-recall screening.
Why doesn't the UK screen for lung cancer routinely?
Some regions now run 'Targeted Lung Health Check' pilots for current/ex-smokers aged 55-74, and national rollout is underway, following evidence that low-dose CT screening reduces lung cancer deaths in high-risk groups.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.