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.

• More information is available on the NHS website here.

You will receive a bowel cancer screening kit if you're aged between 50 and 74 years. All men and women aged 50 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.

Currently, NHS screening kits are not offered to individuals under the age of 50. However, if you are worried about symptoms or have a family history of bowel cancer, please do not delay speaking with your GP.

• More information is available on the NHS website here
• Using your bowel cancer screening FIT test video - this is also available with subtitles and in alternative languages
• Bowel cancer screening - an easy guide leaflet.

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

Since 1 July 2025, cervical screening in England is offered every five years for everyone aged 25 to 64, unless they are at higher risk due to a recent or current high‑risk HPV (hrHPV) result.

This change applies to anyone screened on or after that date and who tests negative for high‑risk HPV. Those with HPV or previous, recent HPV‑positive results may still be invited more frequently.

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. 

• More information is available on the NHS wesbite here.

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

If you have any special access needs or require a chaperone, please call 07576954476 in advance so we can ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible. 

September

October

November

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

• Help Harry Help Others

• Unity Hubb

Please continue to invite your patients who are due screening or alternatively, direct eligible patients who are due or overdue cervical screening to the service. 

Some of the ways you can do this include:

• Displaying the 'Mobile Cervical Screening Service' poster at your practice.
• Sharing the 'Mobile Cervical Screening Service' Leaflets with your patients or having copies available for your patients.

Why this matters:

• Over 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the UK.

• Screening supports early detection and prevention.

• The mobile service removes common barriers such as travel and access.

Key points for patients:

• Open to eligible women regardless of GP practice.

• No need to be registered locally.

• Delivered by NHS staff.

• Convenient community location.