NHS cancer screening programmes can help to diagnose cancer or risk of cancer earlier and improve the likelihood of successful treatment. There are three national cancer screening programmes in England.
- Cervical Screening
- Breast Cancer Screening
- Bowel Cancer Screening
If you are eligible, please make every effort to have your screening test. Screening tests can detect a problem early before you have any symptoms. Finding out about a problem early can mean that treatment is more effective.
There are over 200 different types of cancer that can cause many different signs and symptoms. Sometimes symptoms affect specific areas of the body, such as our tummy or skin. But signs can also be more general, and include weight loss, tiredness (fatigue) or unexplained pain.
Some possible signs of cancer, like a lump, are better known than others. But this doesn’t mean they’re more important or more likely to be cancer. It is important to get any possible symptom of cancer checked out.
Cancer can affect people in different ways. The type of symptoms a person may have can be different to others, and some people don’t have any symptoms. So, you don’t need to remember all the signs and symptoms of cancer.
ALL women aged 25 – 64 are eligible for a free routine screening tests – if your invited – please attend for YOUR sake. ALL women aged 25 – 64 should have a routine screening test regardless of your religion, race or sexual orientation.
It’s important to be aware of what is normal for you and speak to your doctor if you notice any unusual changes or something that won’t go away. This can help to diagnose cancer at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be successful.
ASK – you will usually see a female Practice Nurse for your screening but if it’s not and you’re not comfortable just ASK! No one will be offended.
VISIT – screeningsaveslives.co.uk for further information
