NHS screening

The NHS provides a number of screening programmes. Screening improves the chances of early identification of a disease or condition and can improve health outcomes or reduce complications.

Screening tests are not perfect, occasionally some people will receive a “false-positive” or “false-negative” result and so people should remain aware of the signs and symptoms to look out for.

Below is an overview of the current screening programmes offered in the NHS. Visit GOV.UK's website on population screening programmes for more information about screening, including the benefits and risks and details of each screening programme.

Non-cancer screening programmes

Screening in pregnancy and in infancy - tests during pregnancy aim to identify any health problems which could affect mum or baby. These include tests for infectious diseases, Downs syndrome or physical abnormalities. Newborn screening tests include a physical examination, hearing screening and newborn blood spot screening which checks for nine serious but rare health conditions

Diabetic eye screening - all people with diabetes aged 12 and over are offered an annual diabetic eye test to check for early signs of diabetic retinopathy.

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

Cancer screening programmes

Cervical screening - cervical screening is available to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 in England

Breast screening - breast screening is currently offered to women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday. Women over 70 can self-refer. 

Bowel screening  – a home testing kit is provided to men and women aged 60-74.  August 2018, ministers agreed that in the future bowel cancer screening in England will start at the age of 50. The NHS is starting to reduce the age range for bowel cancer screening from April 2021 to start screening at the age of 50.