Screening is a way of identifying apparently healthy people who may have an increased risk of a particular condition. The NHS offers a range of screening tests to different sections of the population.

The benefits are:

  • Screening can detect a problem early, before you have any symptoms
  • Finding out about a problem early can mean that treatment is more effective
  • Finding out you have a health problem or an increased risk of a health problem can help people make better informed decisions about their health
  • Screening can reduce the risk of developing a condition or its complications
  • Some deaths from bowel cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer can be prevented.

Breast screening is offered to women aged 50 to 70 to detect early signs of breast cancer. Women over 70 can self-refer.

Breast screening aims to find breast cancers early. It uses an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they're too small to see or feel.

As the likelihood of getting breast cancer increases with age, all women aged from 50 to their 71st birthday who are registered with a GP are automatically invited for breast cancer screening every three years.

In the meantime, if you're worried about breast cancer symptoms, such as a lump or an area of thickened tissue in a breast, or you notice that your breasts look or feel different from what's normal for you, do not wait to be offered screening. See a GP.

You will receive a bowel cancer screening kit if you're aged between 60 and 74 years. Some people aged 56 are also being invited. This is because NHS England is slowly expanding this programme over the coming years. Eventually, people aged between 50 to 74 will be invited.

All men and women aged 60 to 74 who are registered with a GP in England are automatically sent a bowel cancer screening kit every two years. Make sure your GP has your correct address so your kit is posted to the right place.

If you're 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every two years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.

NHS screening kits are not available for people under 60.

Watch the Cancer Research UK video How to do the bowel cancer screening test below:

 

Cervical screening is offered to women aged 25 to 64 to check the health of cells in the cervix. It is offered every three years for those aged 26 to 49, and every five years from the ages of 50 to 64.

Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix. It's not a test for cancer, it's a test to help prevent cancer.

All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should be invited via the NHS app. Letters will now only be sent if there is no acknowledgement from the app or if you do not have the NHS app on your mobile phone.

During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix. The sample is tested for changes to the cells of your cervix. Finding abnormal changes early means they can be monitored or treated so they do not get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.

Test results will be sent via the NHS app (if negative). A result letter is only sent if you do not have the NHS app or if the app has not been opened 72 hours after the result being sent. 

Watch Cancer Research UK's video to find out what happens at a cervical screening appointment and why it's important

Mobile cervical screening

We’re pleased to announce the launch of a brand-new Mobile Cervical Screening Service for Birmingham and Solihull, making it easier for women to get screened closer to home. 

The pilot service, funded by the West Midlands Cancer Alliance, has been developed in partnership with SmartCare PCN, NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, and local community organisations.

Women can attend the mobile unit no matter which GP practice they are registered with.

By bringing cervical screening directly into neighbourhoods, we aim to make it easier for more women to get screened and to support earlier detection of cervical cancer.

When and where the service will operate

After the launch event, the mobile cervical screening unit will run from 9:30 AM- 3:30PM at the following locations:

Tuesday, 9 December- Sparkbrook Children's Zone, Women's Enterprise, Avoca Court, 23 Moseley Road, Birmingham, B12 0HJ 

Thursday, 11 December- Highgate Medical Centre, B12 0YA

Tuesday, 16 December- Birmingham Irish Association, 45 Alcester Street, Deritend, Birmingham, B12 0PH

Thursday, 18 December- Highgate Medical Centre, B12 0YA

Tuesday, 6 January- WM Legacy Centre, Soho House, Handsworth, B18 5LB

Thursday, 8 January- Highgate Medical Centre, B12 0YA

Tuesday, 13 January- Unity Hub St Margaret’s Church, St Margaret’s Road, Ward End, Birmingham, B8 2BA

Thursday, 15 January- Highgate Medical Centre, B12 0YA

Tuesday, 20 January- Birmingham Irish Association, 45 Alcester Street, Deritend, Birmingham, B12 0PH

Thursday, 22 January- Highgate Medical Centre, B12 0YA

Tuesday, 27 January- Sparkbrook Children's Zone, Women's Enterprise, Avoca Court, 23 Moseley Road, Birmingham, B12 0HJ 

Thursday, 29 January- Saheli Hub, Balsall Heath Calthorpe Wellbeing Hub, 257 Edward Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, B12 9LF

Developed with our communities

To ensure the service meets local needs, it is being co-produced with valued community partners, including:

  • Sparkbrook Children’s Zone

  • Chinese Community Centre

  • Saheli Hub

  • Green Lane Mosque

  • WM Legacy

As part of the women’s health programme with Sparkbrook Children’s Zone, the mobile unit will also offer screening every Thursday outside Highgate Medical Centre.

Resources 

A new leaflet and promotional poster have been created to support community outreach. These materials have been designed to be visually engaging and culturally appropriate, with translated versions coming soon. 

Mobile Cervical Screening Leaflet

Mobile Cervical Screening Poster

Further information

For more information, please email nhsbsolicb.bsolcancerteam@nhs.net