What is cancer screening?
Cancer screening is for people who do not have symptoms. Screening means testing people for early signs of cancer, or for early changes that could develop into cancer if left untreated.
England has three national cancer screening programmes:
Lung cancer screening is not yet a national screening programme but is available across north west and south west London. It is offered to people aged 55-74 with any history of smoking who are registered with a participating GP practice. There is currently no screening programme for prostate cancer.
What is the cancer screening process?
Eligible people will automatically be invited for screening if they are registered with a GP practice.
If you are eligible, you will get a letter inviting you to take part in screening with information about the test and how to take part. You can see the eligibility and further details about each of the national screening programmes below.
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When invited for screening, please take up the offer.
Remember, cancer screening is for people who do not have symptoms. If you have symptoms or have noticed anything that is not normal for you, you should make an appointment with your GP practice to discuss your concerns.
Cancer Screening Programmes