National Screening Programmes

Screening is a way of finding out if people have a higher chance of having a health problem, so that early treatment can be offered or information given to help them make informed decisions.

The aim is to offer screening to the people who are most likely to benefit from it.

Screening is always a choice.

The below information has been sourced from the NHS website, to read more about ‘What is screening’, ‘About screening results’, ‘The Benefits, risks and limitations of screening’ & ‘Learn about the Confidentiality and use of data’.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-screening/

Bowel Screening

The aim of the NHSBCSP is to reduce mortality from bowel cancer. This will be achieved by delivering evidence-based, population-based screening programmes.

Men and women aged 60-74 years are sent invite a faecal occult blood test (FOB) through the post every two years. Those with a positive FOB are offered colonoscopy.

If you’re 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every 2 years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.

Click this link for more information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening/

Cervical Screening

The aim of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme is to reduce the incidence of and mortality from, cervical cancer by delivering a systematic, quality assured population-based screening programme for eligible women.

This is achieved by inviting eligible women for screening six months before their 25th birthday, then at three-yearly intervals between the ages of 25 and 49 years.  Thereafter, between the ages of 50 and 64, women will be invited at five- yearly intervals.

Click this link for more information:   https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/

Breast Screening

The major aim of the NHS breast screening programme is to reduce mortality from breast cancer. This will be achieved by delivering evidence-based, population-based screening programmes by inviting women in the target age group 50 – 70 every 3 years.

Breast screening is a method of detecting breast cancer at a very early stage. The first step involves an x-ray of each breast – a mammogram.

Click this link for more information:  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-screening-mammogram/

Diabetic Eye Screening

The aim of the National Diabetic Screening Programme is to reduce the risk of sight loss amongst people with diabetes by the prompt identification and the effective treatment if necessary of sight threatened by diabetic retinopathy, at the appropriate stage during the disease process.

The population eligible for screening is: all persons diagnosed with diabetes aged 12 and over who have light perception or better in at least one eye.

Screening is undertaken annually by digital photography.

Click this link for more information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetic-eye-screening/

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening

The aim of the NAASP is to reduce AAA related mortality by providing a systematic population-based screening programme.

AAA screening is offered to men during the screening year (1 April to 31 March) that they turn 65 to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms (a dangerous swelling in the aorta).  Men over 65 can self-refer.

Click this link for more information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-screening/