Screening programmes

Screening tests are a way of assessing your risk of having a condition. They do not tell you if you definitely do, or do not, have a condition.

• If your result shows a lower risk of having the condition screened for, it’s good news. But you may still develop the condition later. So, when you’re offered screening again it’s best to get it done in case your risk has changed.
• If your result shows a higher risk of having the condition screened for, you may need further tests. These are to work out if you definitely do or do not have it. If you do have the condition, you’ll be offered treatment and support.

If you find out about a condition or cancer early, it may be easier to treat.

Screening tests can help detect conditions early. But they are not perfect.

• Sometimes you may be told there is a problem and be offered further tests or treatment when you don’t need them. This is a false positive result. It can lead to unnecessary anxiety and intervention.
• Sometimes you may be told you are lower risk when the test has missed a sign of a problem. This is a false negative result. This could lead to a false sense of security, and you may relax about symptoms that need following up.

The NHS only offers screening for conditions where the benefits outweigh the possible harms of screening.

Everyone aged 50 to 74 is offered bowel cancer screening every 2 years. For this screening test, you use a kit at home and send it to the lab by post. Testing at the lab looks for blood in your poo, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer.

If you’re over 74, you may be able to request a kit every 2 years online or by calling the bowel cancer screening helpline.

The NHS has more information on bowel cancer screening.

Women aged 50 to 70 are offered breast screening every 3 years. Trans and non-binary people registered as female with their GP will also be invited for screening.

You go to a hospital or mobile screening unit for breast screening. You usually have two X-rays of your breasts (mammograms) to check for breast cancers that are too small for you to see or feel.

The NHS has more information on breast screening, including information about screening if you’re trans or non-binary.

Women aged 25 to 64 are offered cervical screening every 5 years. If you’re trans or non-binary and have a cervix, this screening is also for you.

You usually go to your GP surgery or a health centre for cervical screening. A nurse or doctor takes a small sample of cells from your cervix. Testing at the lab checks for types of human papilloma virus (HPV) that can change the cells of your cervix and lead to cancer.

The NHS has more information on cervical screening.

If you have ever smoked and are aged 55 to 74, you may be offered lung cancer screening every 2 years. This screening test is not offered in all parts of the UK yet.

Lung cancer screening starts with a telephone appointment with a healthcare professional. They’ll ask you about your health, lifestyle, breathing, family and medical history. You may then be invited for a lung health check.

The NHS has more information on lung cancer screening.

The NHS also offers screening programmes for other conditions, including diabetic eye screening and abdominal aortic aneurysm screening. You may not be eligible for these.

The UK National Screening Committee lists other potential screening programmes and their recommendations. You can also find out which screening tests are available in your part of the UK.

If you live in England or Scotland, you might be eligible for a free NHS health check. You may be invited for this every 5 years, depending on your age and where you live. Ask your GP surgery or pharmacy if they offer it and whether you're eligible.

Some people with blood cancer, or on some treatments for blood cancer, may have a higher risk of skin cancer. Ask your haematology team if this is the case for you.

There is no screening programme for skin cancer, but you can do regular checks for skin changes, like a new mole or mark. And you can ask your GP or practice nurse for an annual skin cancer check.

It’s also important to protect yourself from the sun.

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Public Health Wales. Screening. Available at: https://phw.nhs.wales/topic/screening/ [Accessed Sep 2026]