Screening advice
Screening is a way of identifying an increased chance of disease or a health condition, in apparently healthy people.
Screening aims to detect disease before symptoms have developed. Finding out about a problem early can mean that treatment is more effective, or information given can help individuals make informed decisions.
Last updated 25 October.
Screening tests are not perfect, and they can lead to difficult decisions about having further tests or treatment. As the NHS invites apparently healthy people for screening, healthcare professionals will ensure individuals receive:
- guidance to help them make informed choices
- support throughout the screening process
The NHS offers a range of screening tests to different sections of the population. People should register with a local GP to ensure that they are invited for their screening tests at the right time.
The NHS screening programmes currently offered at various life stages are shown on the NHS Population Screening timeline and also listed below.
Antenatal and new born screening
During pregnancy, women are offered the following types of screening:
- Screening for infectious diseases - such as hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis
- Screening for genetic and rare conditions - such as Down's syndrome, Patau's syndrome and Edward's syndrome
- Screening for sickle cell disease and thalassaemia
- Screening for physical abnormalities (mid pregnancy scan)
New born babies are offered the following tests and examinations:
- A physical examination of the eyes, heart, hips and testes
- A hearing test
- A blood spot test - to screen for any of 9 rare conditions including cystic fibrosis, congenital hypothyroidism and inherited metabolic diseases
For further information about the best time for antenatal and new born testing and screening, see the antenatal and new born screening timeline.
Adult screening
There are 5 adult NHS screening programmes and depending on your age and gender, you will be invited to take part in these screening programmes.
Cancer screening
- Cervical screening - In cervical screening, the health of the cervix is checked by taking a sample of some of the cells on the surface. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) that joins to the top of the vagina. Women and people with a cervix, aged 25-64 who are registered with a GP will automatically be invited for cervical screening. Screening is offered every 3 years for those aged 25-49, and every 5 years from the ages of 50 to 64. Those aged 65 or older are invited if a recent test was abnormal. You can book an appointment as soon as you receive the invitation letter or if you missed your last cervical screening you do not need to wait for the letter.
- Breast Screening - This aims to detect breast cancers at an early stage. A mammogram (a breast X-ray) is used to spot cancers and signs of abnormalities. Breast screening is offered to all women, registered with a GP, aged 50 to 71 to detect early signs of breast cancer. Women are automatically invited for their first breast screening between ages 50 and 53, with further invites every three years. Those who are trans man, trans woman or are non-binary may be invited automatically or you may need to talk to your GP surgery or local breast screening service for an appointment. Those over 71 years of age are not automatically invited but you can still have breast screening if you want to, by contacting your local breast screening service. The Jarvis Breast Centre website provides further information and contact details.
- Bowel cancer screening - This can help in the early detection of bowel cancer, which is one of the most common cancers in the UK. Bowel cancer screening uses a home testing kit (faecal immunochemical test). This is offered every two years to everyone aged 54-74 years who are registered with a GP, every 2 years. This will soon be available to everyone aged 50 to 74 years old, so you may be sent a home test kit now if you're aged 50 or over. For those aged 75 or older, you can self-refer.
Non-cancer screening
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening - This is offered to men in their 65th year. Screening can help detect a swelling in the aorta early on when it can be treated. Men over 65 can self-refer.
- Diabetic eye screening - This aims to reduce the risk of sight loss in people with diabetes. The screening process helps to identify diabetic retinopathy early and ensure patients are offered effective treatment where necessary. Diabetic eye screening is offered every 1 to 2 years to people aged 12 and over with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2 and women with diabetes in pregnancy). The screening test usually takes around 30 minutes. How often depends on the results from your last 2 screening tests. The screening test usually takes around 30 minutes.
For further information about NHS screening, please visit the NHS Population Screening explained.
Useful links
- Screening programmes - timelines
A timeline of all national screening programmes available in the English NHS.