There are lots of cancer screening programmes in the UK, designed to detect and treat cancer at very early stages in people who have no symptoms of cancer. 

Bowel cancer screening

Everyone over the age of 60 will be sent out a testing kit in the post as part of a national programme to pick up the early stages of bowel cancer.  It is vital that you complete and return your kit when you receive it.  If you are not sure how to use the kit, or would like to discuss what the test is for in more detail, please make an appointment with Sarah MacInerney, one of our Practice Nurses.

Please see the link below for more information:
http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/bowel


Mammography

Women over the age of 50 will be sent an appointment for mammography (xrays of the breasts to detect breast cancer) every three years until they are 70.

Please see the link below for more information:
http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/breastscreen/publications/nhsbsp.pdf


Cervical Screening - 'smears'

These are intended to pick up changes in the cells at the neck of the womb, which, if untreated could go on to become cancer further down the line.  Women aged 25-64 are invited for smear tests, how frequently you need to have these depends on your last smear result and your other medical conditions.  If you would like more information about what a smear test involves, please follow the link below or make an appointment to speak to one of our nurses or GPs.

http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/cervical/publications/cervicalscreening.pdf


Aortic Aneurysm screening

This is a relatively new screening programme.  Men turning 65 years will be invited to attend for an ultrasound scan to look for an aneurysm (a weaked area of blood vessel).  Men over 65 years who have not been invited for screening can self -refer onto the programme via the link below.

Please see the link below for more information:
http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/cervical/publications/cervicalscreening.pdf