Cancer Screening Information

Bowel cancer is a term used to describe cancer of the large bowel (colon and rectum).

Symptoms of bowel cancer may include:

– Bleeding from the back passage (rectum) or blood in your stools
– A change in normal bowel habits (such as diarrhoea or looser stools) lasting more than 4 weeks
– A lump that your doctor can feel in your abdomen or back passage
– A feeling of needing to strain to pass a bowel motion
– Unexplained weight loss
– Abdominal or rectal pain
– Tiredness or breathlessness due to anaemia

Bowel Cancer Screening (NHS FIT test)

– Offered every 2 years to people aged 50–74 in England
– A home test kit (FIT) is sent automatically by post
– The test checks for tiny amounts of blood in your poo

If you are 75 or over, you can still request a screening kit by calling:

0800 707 60 60

👉 Do not ignore symptoms, even if you have recently completed a screening test.

The NHS Breast Screening Programme aims to detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms develop.

Breast cancer symptoms to be aware of:

Please contact the surgery if you notice:

– A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
– A change in the size, shape or feel of a breast
– Skin changes, such as dimpling, puckering or redness
– Nipple changes, including inversion (turning in)
– Discharge from the nipple, especially if bloody
– Persistent breast or armpit pain that is not related to the menstrual cycle

👉 Do not wait for screening if you notice any symptoms.

Breast Screening (NHS)

– Offered to women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday
– Screening takes place every 3 years
– Invitations are sent automatically

If you are 71 or over, you can still request breast screening every 3 years by contacting your local breast screening service.

Cervical screening (previously called a smear test) helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for high‑risk HPV, which can cause abnormal cell changes.

Cervical cancer symptoms to be aware of:

Please contact the surgery if you experience:

– Unusual vaginal bleeding, including:
Bleeding between periods
Bleeding after sex
Bleeding after the menopause

– Unusual vaginal discharge
– Pain or discomfort during sex
– Persistent lower back, pelvic or abdominal pain

👉 These symptoms can occur even if you are up to date with cervical screening.

Cervical Screening (NHS)

– Offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25–64
– Every 5 years if your HPV test result is negative
– More frequent follow‑up if HPV is detected

If you think you are due but have not received an invitation, please contact the surgery.