National screening programmes

One of the approaches the NHS employs to facilitate earlier cancer diagnosis and enhance patient outcomes is through National Screening Programmes. These programmes invite patients of specific age groups to submit samples, such as stool samples, or to attend tests, including cervical smears or mammograms. The three types of cancer that are screened for nationally include:

• Bowel Screening (All Patients aged 50-74)

• Breast screening (Patients aged 50-71 who are registered as female with a GP)

• Cervical screening (patients aged 25-64 with a cervix)
  
  Introducing Nurse Katie Hayes ‘Dont fear the smear!’

Some of these screening programs are coordinated externally from the practice; however, the results will be communicated to your general practitioner (GP), who will be available to discuss any necessary next steps with you.

IMPORTANT: If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with cervical, breast, or bowel cancer, please do not delay in seeking screening. Contact your GP as soon as possible.

For additional information on national cancer screening programs, please visit the Screening and Earlier Diagnosis page on the NHS England website.