Your guide to NHS cancer screening & support

Screening finds signs of cancer (or changes that could become cancer) before you notice symptoms. Taking up your NHS screening invitations can help find problems early, when treatment is more likely to work. Below are trusted links to official NHS pages and leading UK cancer charities.

Start here: what screening is

• NHS screening – overview (who’s invited, benefits & limits)

NHS cancer screening programmes

Breast screening (mammogram)

• Breast screening: who it’s for, what to expect, results
• When you’ll be invited & who should go

Cervical screening (smear test)

• Cervical screening: what it is, when you’ll be invited, how to book
• What happens at your appointment

Bowel cancer screening (FIT home test)

• Bowel screening: who it’s for & how to use the home kit
• Your guide to NHS bowel screening (detailed)

Lung health checks / lung cancer screening

• About targeted lung health checks
• UK National Screening Committee information

Practical support & information

• Macmillan Cancer Support: Cancer screening explained • Support line: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week)
• Cancer Research UK: Screening overview (benefits & risks, who’s invited)
• Bowel Cancer UK: How bowel screening works
• The Eve Appeal (gynaecological cancers): Information & support
  Continuity note: resources from the former Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust have moved here.

Accessible formats

• Cervical screening – easy read guide (GOV.UK)
• Easy-read cancer information (Macmillan)

Other sources of information

Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

If you’re worried or have symptoms

Screening is for people without symptoms. If you have unusual or persistent symptoms, contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice.

Notes: Eligibility and invitations can vary across the UK nations. The links above mainly cover NHS England; check your local NHS if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.