NHS Screening

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:

Cervical screening

Cervical screening is offered to women aged 25 to 64 to check the health of cells in the cervix. It is offered every 3 years for those aged 26 to 49, and every 5 years from the ages of 50 to 64.

This is available at our practice and when you are due your screening test, you can book an appointment at the practice with one of our practice nurses.

Breast screening

Breast screening is offered to women aged 50 to 70 to detect early signs of breast cancer. Women over 70 can self-refer.

Women registered with our practice should get a reminder letter. If you have misplaced yours, think you are due or are over 70, you can arrange screening by contacting our local breast screening office on 020 3758 2024.

Bowel cancer screening

There are 2 types of screening for bowel cancer:

A home testing kit is offered to men and women aged 60 to 74. This kit is sent to you in the post. If you have not received a kit or need a replacement kit please call FREEPHONE 0800 707 6060.

Bowel scope screening uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end to look at the large bowel. It is offered to men and women at the age of 55 in some parts of England.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening

AAA screening is offered to men in their 65th year to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms (a dangerous swelling in the aorta). Men over 65 can self-refer.

Screening in pregnancy

Pregnant women are offered the following types of screening:

• screening for infectious diseases (hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis)
• screening for Down's syndrome, Patau's syndrome and Edwards' syndrome
• screening for sickle cell disease and thalassaemia
• screening for physical abnormalities (mid-pregnancy scan)

Screening for newborn babies

Newborn babies are offered:

• a physical examination, which includes the eyes, heart, hips and testes
• a hearing test
• a blood spot test to check if the baby has any of 9 rare conditions

Diabetic eye screening

From the age of 12, all people with diabetes are offered an annual diabetic eye test to check for early signs of diabetic retinopathy.