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 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.

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. 

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


Visit our cancer bus

The bus aims to give our local communities the opportunity to not only catch any warning signs of cancer as early as possible, but it will also be a chance for people to talk to a host of professionals, from the NHS to MacMillan Cancer Support and Diabetes UK. Here, they will share signs to look out for, how to live the healthiest possible life and signpost the public to useful services.


Mobile cervical screening

We have partnered with SmartCare PCN to make cervical screening easier and more accessible. We have a mobile cervical screening unit that has been visiting neighbourhoods across Birmingham and Solihull since December, and we will be visiting new sites over the coming weeks. 

If you are due a smear test, help is coming closer to home. A mobile smear test clinic will be in your area. No appointment needed. It’s quick, private and done by a female nurse. 

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.

Before Your Visit: Useful Information

To ensure your screening goes smoothly, please take a moment to review the following guidelines.

What to Bring

  • Your NHS Number - This helps our staff locate your medical records quickly.

  • You are welcome to bring a friend, family member, or children with you.

Eligibility Requirements

We can only perform your screening if you are due or overdue. Please note we cannot screen you if:

  • You are currently pregnant.

  • You are less than 12 weeks postnatal (since giving birth).

  • It is best to avoid booking your screening while you are on your period.

On the Day

  • Please avoid using a douche before your appointment.

  • A private area is provided for you to undress and get ready.

  • You will be asked to lie on your back. Remember, you are in control and you can ask the nurse to stop at any time if you feel uncomfortable.

Your Appointment & Timing

The screening itself usually takes 15–20 minutes. As this is an open-access (walk-in) service, please keep the following in mind:

  • There may be a wait upon arrival. Some appointments take longer as we provide extra support to those with additional needs.

  • We recommend coming earlier in the day to ensure you are seen. If the service is reaching capacity toward closing time, we may not be able to see everyone.

  • Feel free to call us before you travel to check how busy the service is.

Special Requirements & Accessibility

If you have special access needs or require a chaperone, please contact us in advance so we can prepare for your visit:

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. 

May

Wednesday 13th May

10:00am-5:00pm

Yardley Green Medical Centre, 77 Yardley Green Rd, Birmingham, B9 5PU 

Saturday 16th May

9:30am-3:30pm

Yardley Green Medical Centre, 77 Yardley Green Rd, Birmingham, B9 5PU 

Thursday 21st May

8:30am-4:00pm

Small Heath Medical Practice, 2 Greatwood Road, B10 9QE

Saturday 23rd May 9:00am-3:00pm Fort Retail Park, 20 Fort Parkway, Birmingham B24 9FP (outside Boots)
Tuesday 26th May 10:00-1:30pm Oscott Gardens, Perry Barr, B42 2TG 
Thursday 28th May 9:30-3:30pm

Mirfield Surgery 287 Kitts Green Road, Lea Village, Birmingham, B33 9SA

 

June

Tuesday 2nd June

9:30am-3:00pm

 WM Legacy, Soho House, Birmingham B18 5LB · 

Wednesday 3rd June

8:30am-3:30pm Dolphin Women's Centre and Lakeside Café, Ward End Park, Washwood Heath Rd, Birmingham, B8 2HB

Thursday 4th June

9:30am-3:30pm

Yardley Wood Health Centre, 401 Highfield Rd, Birmingham, B14 4DU 

Tuesday 9th June

9:30am-3:30pm

The Newington Centre, Newington Road, Hamar Way, Marston Green, Birmingham, B37 7RW

Thursday 11th June

8:30am-3pm

Dolphin Women's Centre and Lakeside Café, Ward End Park, Washwood Heath Rd, Birmingham, B8 2HB  

Saturday 13th June

9:30am-3:30pm

Enki Medical Centre, 55 Terrace Rd, Birmingham, B19 1BP  

Tuesday 16th June

9:30am-3:30pm

Highfield Hall and Community Centre, 127 to 129 Highfield Road, Hall Green, Birmingham, B28 0HS 

Friday 19th June 9:30am-3:00pm

UKIM Sparkbrook Islamic Centre, 179 - 187 Anderton Road, Sparkbrook, B11 1ND

Saturday 20th June 9:30am-3:00pm

The Unity Hubb St Margaret's Church, St Margaret's Rd, Ward End, Birmingham, B8 2BA

Tuesday 23rd June 9:30am-3:30pm

Bromford Bridge Christian Church180 Bromford Dr, Birmingham B36 8QS

Thursday 25th June 9:30am-3:30pm

Yardley Wood Health Centre, 401 Highfield Rd,, Birmingham, B14 4DU 

Saturday 27th June 9:30am-3:30pm

Solihull Council House, Manor Square, Solihull, B91 3PX

Tuesday 30th June 8:30am-3:00pm

The Memorial Health Centre, Khattak Surgery, 309 Bolton Road, Small Heath Birmingham. B10 0AU

 

July

 

Wednesday 1st July

09.30 - 3.00 pm

Help Harry Help Others 8 Midland Croft, Birmingham B33 0AW

Thursday 2nd July

09.30 - 3.30pm

Highgate Medical Centre Birmingham B12 0YA

Saturday 4th July

09.30 - 3.00 pm

Hall Green Health 977-979 Stratford Rd, Birmingham B28 8BG

Tuesday 7th July

09.30 - 3.00 pm

Nechells Practice 63 Rupert St, Birmingham B7 5DT

Wednesday 8th July

09.30 - 3.00 pm

Swanswell Medical Centre, 370 Gospel Ln, Birmingham B27 7AL

Saturday 11th July

09.30 - 4.00 pm

West Heath Medical Centre 194-196 W Heath Rd, Birmingham B31 3HB

Tuesday 14th July

09.30 - 3.30 pm

Highgate Medical Centre Birmingham B12 0YA

Wednesday 15th July

09.30 - 3.30 pm

Swanswell Medical Centre, 370 Gospel Ln, Birmingham B27 7AL

Thursday 16th July

09.30 - 3.30 pm

Hall Green Health 977-979 Stratford Rd, Birmingham B28 8BG

Sunday 19th July

10.00 - 3pm

Ward End Fire Station Washwood Heath Rd, Birmingham B8 2HF

Tuesday 21st July

9.30 - 3.30pm

Laurie Pike 2 Fentham Road, Aston, Birmingham, B6 6BB

Wednesday 22nd July

09.30 - 3.30 pm

Hall Green Health 979 Stratford Road
Hall Green
Birmingham
B28 8BG

Saturday 25th July

9.30 - 3.30pm

Enki Medical Centre, 55 Terrace Rd, Birmingham B19 1BP

Wednesday 29th July

09.30 - 3.30 pm

Saheli Hub 257 Edward Rd, Balsall Heath, West Midlands England, B12 9LF (TBC)

Thursday 30th July

09.30 - 3.30 pm

Hodge Hill Family Practice 1St Floor Hodge Hill PCC, Roughlea Avenue, Hodge Hill, Birmingham, West Midlands, B36 8GH

 

 

August

Saturday 1st August

9.30 - 3.30pm

Enki Medical Centre, 55 Terrace Rd, Birmingham B19 1BP

Tuesday 4th August

09.30 - 3.30 pm

Nechells Practice 63 Rupert St, Birmingham B7 5DT

Saturday 8th August

09.30 - 3.30 pm

West Heath Medical Centre 194-196 W Heath Rd, Birmingham B31 3HB

Tuesday 11th August

09.30 - 3.30 pm

Bellvue Medical Centre 6 Bellevue, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B5 7LX

Wednesday 12th August

09.30 - 3.30 pm

Highgate Medical Centre Birmingham B12 0YA

Saturday 15th August

09.30 - 3.30 pm

Wing Yip 375 Nechells Park Rd, Birmingham B7 5NT  (TBC)

Tuesday 18th August

09.30 - 3.30 pm

Help Harry Help Others 8 Midland Croft, Birmingham B33 0AW

Wednesday 19th August

9.30 - 3.30pm

Shri Guru Ravidass Bhawan Birmingham1 Union Row, Birmingham B21 9EN  (TBC)

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.

Resources

A leaflet and promotional poster have been created to support community outreach. These materials have been designed to be visually engaging and culturally appropriate.

Videos

Information about the mobile cervical screening unit in Urdu
موبائل سروائیول گردنی یونٹ کے بارے میں معلومات
Information about the mobile cervical screening unit in Somali.
Macluumaad ku saabsan unugga baaritaanka qoorta ee moobilka
Information about the mobile cervical screening unit in Romanian
Informații despre unitatea mobilă de screening cervical
Information about the mobile cervical screening unit in Mandarin.

用普通话介绍流动宫颈癌筛查车的信息。
Information about the mobile cervical screening unit in Pashto
د ګرځنده سرویکل سکرینینګ واحد په اړه معلومات
Information about the mobile cervical screening unit in Cantonese.

有關流動子宮頸篩查單位嘅粵語資料。

Further information

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