Cancer Screening

Breast Cancer Screening

Breast screening aims to detect breast cancer early, improving the chances of successful treatment and survival.

Who is Eligible:

  • Women aged 50 to 71 are invited for screening every 3 years.
  • Women over 71 can request screening but won’t receive automatic invitations.
  • Women under 50 are typically not screened unless they have a higher risk due to family history or other factors.

Process:

  • Mammogram: The screening involves a mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breasts.
  • Location: Performed at specialized clinics or mobile screening units.
  • Duration: The appointment lasts about 30 minutes.

Benefits:

  • Early detection of breast cancer.
  • More treatment options.
  • Better survival rates.

Risks:

  • False Positives: Screening may suggest cancer when there isn’t any, leading to unnecessary stress and additional tests.
  • Overdiagnosis: Detects cancers that may not cause harm during a woman’s lifetime.
  • Radiation Exposure: Small amount of radiation from mammograms, but the risk is minimal.

Results:

  • Usually received within two weeks.
  • If abnormalities are found, further tests such as additional mammograms, ultrasound, or biopsy may be required.

Effectiveness:

  • Breast screening can save lives by detecting cancer early.
  • However, it doesn’t prevent cancer, and some cancers may still develop between screenings.

Additional Support:

  • Information and support are available from the NHS and various breast cancer charities.

How to book your appointment:

Please call the London Screening Programme at 0203 758 2024 to book your appointment. Make sure to have your NHS number, full name, and date of birth ready.

For more detailed information, visit the NHS Breast Screening Programme.

Bowel Cancer Screening

To detect bowel cancer at an early stage, improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.

The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme offers screening every two years to all men and women aged 60 to 74. People in the invitation age range are automatically sent an invitation, then their screening kit, so they can do the test at home. Your GP will provide your contact details, so it is important that he or she has your correct name and address.

Who is Eligible:

  • Men and Women aged 60 to 74: Invited every 2 years.
  • People Over 74: Can request a screening kit by contacting the bowel cancer screening helpline.
  • Younger People: Those at higher risk may be offered screening earlier.

Process:

  • Home Test Kit (FIT Test): A Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit is sent by post. It involves collecting a small stool sample at home.
  • Return Sample: Send the sample back to the lab for analysis in the provided envelope.

Benefits:

  • Early detection of bowel cancer.
  • Removal of polyps before they turn cancerous.
  • Improved survival rates.

Risks:

  • False Positives/Negatives: Possibility of inaccurate results, leading to unnecessary worry or false reassurance.
  • Follow-up Tests: If blood is detected, a colonoscopy is usually recommended, which carries its own risks.

Results:

  • Results are typically sent within two weeks.
  • If blood is found, further testing like a colonoscopy is arranged.
  • After your first screening test, you will be sent another invitation and screening kit every two years until you reach 74.

Effectiveness:

  • Bowel screening is effective in reducing mortality from bowel cancer.
  • However, it cannot prevent all cancers.

Additional Support:

  • NHS offers detailed guidance and support for individuals undergoing screening.

How to request a bowel kit:

You can request a screening kit by calling the Freephone number: 0800 707 6060

For more information, visit the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.

Cervical Cancer Screening

To detect abnormal cells in the cervix which could develop into cervical cancer if untreated.

Who is Eligible:

  • Women aged 25 to 64: Invited regularly.
  • 25 to 49 years: Every 3 years.
  • 50 to 64 years: Every 5 years.
  • Over 65: Only if one of the last three tests was abnormal, or never been for a cervical screening or have not had cervical screening since the age of 50, you can ask your GP for a test.

When cervical screening is NOT recommended:

  • If you are under age of 25 years’ old
  • If you are 65 years’ old or older (please see exceptions above)
  • If you have had a total hysterectomy

Process:

  • Smear Test: A small sample of cells is taken from the cervix using a speculum and a soft brush.
  • Location: Usually performed at GP surgeries or sexual health clinics.
  • Duration: The procedure takes about 5 minutes.

Benefits:

  • Detects precancerous changes early.
  • Prevents cervical cancer by treating abnormal cells.
  • Reduces cervical cancer incidence and mortality.

Risks:

  • Discomfort: The procedure can be uncomfortable but is usually quick.
  • False Positives/Negatives: Possibility of inaccurate results, requiring additional testing.

Results:

Results are typically sent within two weeks.

  • If abnormalities are found, further tests like colposcopy or treatment are arranged.

Effectiveness:

  • Cervical screening is highly effective in preventing cervical cancer.
  • Regular screening is essential even if you feel healthy.

Additional Support:

  • Information and support are available from the NHS and various cancer support organizations.

How to book appointment:

  • You will either receive an invitation letter in the post when it is time to book your cervical screening appointment.
  • Call the surgery to book an appointment with the nurse.

For more information, visit the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.

Prostate Cancer Screening

To detect prostate cancer at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be successful.

Who is Eligible:

  • Men aged 50 and over: Can request a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test from their GP.
  • Men at Higher Risk: Includes men with a family history of prostate cancer and Black men, who may consider starting screening earlier.

Process:

  • PSA Test: A blood test that measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate.
  • Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): May be conducted by the GP to feel for abnormalities in the prostate.

Benefits:

  • Early detection of prostate cancer.
  • Potential for early treatment and better outcomes.

Risks:

  • False Positives/Negatives: PSA tests can show high levels without cancer or normal levels despite cancer.
  • Overdiagnosis: Detects slow-growing cancers that may not cause harm in a man’s lifetime.
  • Side Effects: Potential side effects from follow-up tests and treatments, such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Results:

  • PSA test results are usually available within a few days.
  • If PSA levels are high, further tests such as MRI scans, biopsies, or repeat PSA tests may be needed.

Effectiveness:

  • PSA testing can help detect prostate cancer early but has limitations.
  • Not all prostate cancers need immediate treatment; some may be monitored through active surveillance.

Additional Support:

  • NHS provides information and support for those considering or undergoing prostate cancer screening.

How to book an appointment:

  • Call the surgery to book an appointment with the GP

For more detailed information, visit the page https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/ .