Two Minutes of Chat and an Early Screening campaign
Screening saves lives. Early detection means cancer can be treated earlier and more effectively. So lets get talking and get tested.
What is bowel cancer screening?
A test (called a FIT kit) looks for hidden blood in your poo meaning it could help spot cancer before symptoms even show.
Offered every two years to everyone aged 50 to 74 in England, it’s free, quick and easy – no appointments, no hospitals, just a simple test you do yourself.
Why is it important to have the screening?
Bowel cancer screening doesn’t stop you from getting cancer, but it’s the best way to catch it early and the earlier it’s caught the easier it is to treat.
So how do I get screened?
- Aged 50-74 and registered with a GP? A FIT kit lands in your letterbox automatically every two years
- 75 or over? You can still get screened – just call 0800 707 6060 to request a kit
- No fixed address? Ask your GP to send your test to their surgery or another location that works for you.
What is breast cancer screening?
Breast screening, also known as a mammogram – an X-ray of the breasts – is a routine check-up to spot early signs of breast cancer that are too small to see or feel.
Why is it important to go for a screening?
We can’t always prevent breast cancer but it’s the best way to catch it early – before it is seen or felt – and the earlier it’s caught the easier it is to treat with better outcomes.
So how do I get screened?
- Aged between 50 and 71 and registered with a GP as female? You’ll be invited automatically every three years
- Your first invitation will come between 50 and 53. If you're 53 or older and haven't been invited, contact Warrington, Halton, St Helens and Knowsley Breast Screening Unit on 01925 275500
- Trans man, trans woman, or non-binary? You may or may not be invited automatically – just speak to your GP to check
- 71 or older? You can still request screening every three years by calling your local breast screening service.
What is cervical screening?
Previously called a smear test, cervical screening checks the health of your cervix – the opening to your womb.
Why is it important to go for a screening?
It’s not a test for cancer, but checks for human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that causes cell changes and can go on to develop cervical cancer.
HPV spreads through any skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, not just penetrative sex. Most people get HPV at some point, and in most cases, the body clears it naturally. If high-risk HPV is found, your sample is checked for cell changes. This can be treated before they turn into cervical cancer. Even if you have had the HPV vaccine it is still important to go for your screening.
So how do I get screened?
- If you’re 25 to 64, you’ll get an invite by letter
- Screening is every 3 years if you're 25-49 and every 5 years if you're 50-64. (*Cervical screening is moving from 3 to 5 year intervals for those aged 24-49 who are at low risk of developing cervical cancer. Anyone who has had a recent history of an HPV positive test, or any changes to cells, may also be followed up more often – even if they are negative on their next test.)
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This decision is based on strong clinical evidence and recommended by the UK National Screening Committee, bringing England into line with Scotland, Wales and other countries across Europe.
- If you're over 65, you’ll only be invited if your last test was abnormal or if you haven’t been screened since age 50
- If you’re a trans man or non-binary assigned female at birth, speak to your GP about screening.
