Screening for cancer
Cancer screening looks for early signs of cancer in people without symptoms.
It can save lives by finding cancers at an early stage, or even preventing them. Screening is not the same as the tests a person may have when doctors are diagnosing or treating cancer.
Cancer screening was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, but screening services are back up and running. If you're concerned about a delay to your screening invite or follow up appointment, contact your GP.
The UK has 3 national screening programmes
There is also a new targeted lung cancer screening programme that is slowly being introduced for people at high risk of lung cancer.
There is no screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK because the PSA test is not reliable enough. Men over 50 can ask their doctor about it.
Benefits and harms of screening
We know that cancer screening saves thousands of lives each year. It can detect cancers at an early stage and in some cases, even prevent cancers from developing in the first place.
But screening is not perfect. The tests can miss cancers, and have other risks too.
Your choice
Whether or not you go for screening is your choice. You should read the information in your screening invitation to help you make an informed decision. You can contact your local cancer screening helpline if you need help.
I’m trans or non-binary, does this affect my cancer screening?
It’s your choice whether or not you take part in cancer screening. In this information we explain the national cancer screening programmes in the UK and eligibility for trans and non-binary people. Your sex assigned at birth, and any hormones or surgeries you may have had, is relevant to whether you are eligible for some types of cancer screening.
This information also discusses cancer risk and how you can reduce your risk of cancer through healthy habits.
