MEN
Prostate Cancer (PSA Test) - There have been a lot of requests for prostate tests following the recent media interest. If you have urinary symptoms, please see a GP and read the information in the leaflets below beforehand. If you do not have any urinary symptoms but are thinking about having a PSA blood test performed, please read these information leaflets. Afterwards, if you still think that you would like a PSA test, please attend and discuss with your GP.
PSA Screening Prostate Testing
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) - In England, screening for AAA is offered to men during the year they turn 65. This can help spot a swelling in the aorta early on, when it can be treated.
The test involves a quick and painless ultrasound scan to see how big your aorta is.
If you're a man over 65 and you haven't been screened, you can request a test by contacting your local AAA screening service directly.
WOMEN
Breast Screening - Women who are aged 50-70 and are registered with a GP are automatically invited for screening every three years.
You will first be invited for screening between your 50th and 53rd birthday, although in some areas you’ll be invited from the age of 47 as part of a trial extension of the programme.
If you think you may have an increased risk of breast cancer because you have a family history of breast cancer (female or male) or ovarian cancer, talk to your GP so you can be referred to a hospital high-risk clinic. The clinic may refer you for genetic testing, if they feel it is appropriate.
Cervical Screening - All women who are registered with a GP are invited for cervical screening. This includes women who have had the HPV vaccination, as the vaccine doesn't guarantee complete protection against cervical cancer.:
- aged 25 to 49 – every 3 years
- aged 50 to 64 – every 5 years
- over 65 – only women who haven't been screened since age 50 or those who have recently had abnormal tests
MEN AND WOMEN
Bowel Screening - Bowel cancer is a common type of cancer in both men and women. About 1 in 20 people will get it during their lifetime.
Screening can help detect bowel cancer at an early stage, when it's easier to treat. It can also be used to help check for and remove small growths in the bowel called polyps, which can turn into cancer over time.
NHS bowel cancer screening is only offered to people aged 55 or over, as this is when you're more likely to get bowel cancer:
- if you're 55, you'll automatically be invited for a one-off bowel scope screening test, if it's available in your area
- if you're 60 to 74, you'll automatically be invited to do a home testing kit every 2 years
- if you're 75 or over, you can ask for a home testing kit every 2 years by calling the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60
If you're too young for screening but are worried about a family history of bowel cancer, speak to your GP for advice.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) - Women and men under 65 aren't routinely invited for screening. But if you think you might have a higher risk of an AAA, talk to your GP about the possibility of having a scan.