Cancer Screening
This time on Stokie Street June, John and Katie are discussing the importance of attending routine cancer screening when invited.
It’s totally normal to feel nervous about these types of tests, but screening is generally done for cancers which are easier to treat when found early, so it’s really important to attend.
The four most common routine cancer screenings in the UK are:
Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer screening is offered to everyone aged 54 to 74. This screening uses a test called a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) to look for blood in a sample of your poo. This could be a sign of bowel cancer. You collect the sample at home and send it by post to be tested.
It can help find cancer early, and before you have any symptoms, which may mean it’s easier to treat.
Breast Cancer
NHS breast screening uses X-rays, called mammograms, to look for cancers that are too small to see or feel.
Anyone registered with a GP as female will be invited for NHS breast screening every 3 years between the ages of 50 and 71. You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical screening, which used to be called smear test, is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. It’s offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64
You will be invited to attend via your GP.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer screening is offered to anyone who is aged 55-74 and a current smoker or ex-smoker.
If you are registered with a Staffordshire GP you will be invited to a lung health check appointment as part of the national Lung Cancer Screening programme.
Lung Cancer Screening helps find problems early, usually before you notice anything is wrong, and at a stage when treatment could be simpler and more successful.
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