NHS Cancer Screening

Looking after your health is not just about being seen when you are ill, prevention of illness is also extremely important.

The NHS currently offer the following screening services - designed to pick up illness and treat at an earlier stage than would otherwise be possible. For all screening it is important to ensure we have your correct details / address to ensure you do not miss being called up.

Cervical screening

	Why - helps prevent cervical cancer.
	Age tested? offered to all women aged 25- 64.
	Should I have the test? it is for all females , but ask your doctor if you have had a hysterectomy, are 65 or over or never had sex.
	How often do I need the test? - Normally every 3 - 5 years. Aged 25 - 49 every three years Aged 50 - 64 every five years
	Who tests me? The nurse commonly does the test.
	Will I have to Undress?  - from the waist down but if you  wear a full skirt you will not have to remove it.

For further information click on this link

Breast Screening

	Why - one in nine women develop breast cancer at some time in their lives. It is more common in women over 50.
	Age tested? All women invited aged between the age 50 - 70.
	How often do I need the test? Screening services rotate around the county, and screen the surgery's patients every 3 years. Screening will occur next in 2008 for our practice.
	Where do I go? Screening sites vary , commonly it occurs in a mobile unit, though hospitals are also used.
	What happens? You have the opportunity to ask any questions about screening, a female member of staff will explain mammography to you. You do need to undress your top half, the test takes a few minutes and your breasts are only presses between two plates for a few seconds each.

For further information click on this link

Bowel Screening

Screening for bowel cancer is planned for all people aged 60 and over from 2006.

	Why- Bowel cancer is  the third most common cancer in the UK
	Age tested? All between 60- 69 , over 70s if requested (phone 0800 707 60 60)
	How often do I need the test? Screening will occur every 2 years
	Where do I go?  You carry out the FOB test in the privacy of your own home
	What happens? You collect small samples of your bowel motions on a special card, these are sent in a hygienically sealed Freepost envelope for testing, results will be received within 2 weeks of sending your sample in.

For further information click on this link