NHS Cancer Screening Programmes

NHS cancer screening programmes

The 3 NHS Cancer screening programmes are

• Breast
• Cervical
• Bowel

Breast Screening (Your Mammogram)
For women and people with breasts aged 50–71, registered with a GP.
Invitations sent every 3 years.
Women aged over 71 can ask to continue breast screening, just call 0113 206 3771.
Breast screening uses a breast x-ray, called a mammogram, to look for cancer that may be too small to see or feel.
 
If you haven’t received your breast screening letter, ask your GP for advice.

Cervical Screening (Smear Test)
For women and people with a cervix aged 25-64, registered with a GP.
Screening letters are sent every 3 years.
Every 5 years if you’re aged 50–64.
 
If you haven't received your letter or if you missed an appointment, speak to your GP

Bowel Screening
(Your Bowel Cancer Screening Kit)
For everyone aged 60–74, registered with a GP.
Gradually being reduced to 50.
Kit arrives in the post every 2 years.
Looks for blood in your poo that you wouldn't be able to see.
Those aged over 74 can request a kit by calling 0800 707 6060.

If you are trans or non-binary and unsure about your eligibility, speak to your GP for advice.

We have also found additional information at Cancer Research UK -  I’m trans or non-binary, does this affect my cancer screening?