NHS cancer screening programmes

The NHS runs population screening for bowel cancer (a faecal immunochemical test posted to the home every two years), breast cancer (mammography every three years) and cervical cancer (HPV primary testing), with age ranges that differ slightly between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; the NHS page for each programme states the current ages. Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT for people aged 55 to 74 who smoke or used to, begun as the Targeted Lung Health Check, is being extended across England. Screening is free, invitations are automatic through the GP register, and anyone who has missed an invitation can ask their GP practice. Screening looks for cancer or pre-cancer in people without symptoms; anyone with symptoms should see a GP rather than wait for screening.