What screenings are available on the NHS to detect cancer early?
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According to NHS analysis, the number of patients in England diagnosed with cancer at an early stage has reached its highest level, following a significant campaign urging people to undergo potentially life-saving screenings. The data – which focuses on 13 of the most common cancers, such as breast and lung cancer – found that nearly three in five patients are being diagnosed at stages one or two, when the cancer is easier to treat.
But what types of cancer screenings are available on the NHS in the UK?Cervical cancer. “Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer by testing for high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), found in more than 99% of all cervical cancers and which can cause abnormal cells to develop on the cervix.
“If HPV is found on a sample, a further test is done for abnormal cells as they can, over time, turn into cancer if left untreated or unmonitored.”. “All eligible people who are registered with a GP (as female) automatically receive an invitation by mail,” explains Hyndman. “Trans men (assigned female at birth) do not receive invitations if they are registered as male with their GP but are still entitled to screening if they have a cervix.
“Screening is offered every three years from age 25 to 49 and every five years from age 50 to 64. If high risk HPV or abnormal cells are found, screening is offered more frequently.”. Bowel cancer. “Screening can also help to find polyps (non-cancerous growths) which may be growing in the bowel. Polyps can become bowel cancer over time, screening can help to find them so they can be removed before they do.”.
