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 does the screening involve?

Your test kit (FIT kit) will include an instruction leaflet, a sample tube containing a stick to collect your poo sample and a pre-paid envelope to return your sample in the post for free.

You collect a very small sample of poo on the collection stick and secure it in the sample tube, pop it in the post, and get your results in a few weeks.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Make sure that your name and date is on the sample bottle
2. Catch your poo in a clean toilet paper (it’s easier than looking for a suitable clean container) – but don’t let your poo touch the water (yep, it takes a bit of planning!)
3. Lightly scrape a little of the poo with the stick provided, making sure you do not touch the toilet paper with the stick and be sure to cover all the grooves.
4. Put the stick back in the tube, close the lid tightly
5. Wash your hands (seriously, do it!)
6. Pop the sample tube into the envelope provided and post it – no stamp needed
7. Wait for your results. Simple as that.

What happens next?

Most people get the all-clear, but if anything needs checking, the NHS will be in touch.

Symptoms of bowel cancer

Even if you feel fine, screening is important. But contact your GP practice if you notice anything that is new for you, including:

• Blood in your poo or from your bottom
• Changes in how often you go to the toilet (more, less, diarrhoea, constipation)
• Losing weight but not sure why
• Ongoing tiredness or feeling short of breath
• A lump or pain in your tummy

It’s always better to check.

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. Details are available online.

What does the screening involve?

You’ll attend either and NHS mobile unit or a Breast Care Centre. The appointment will only take about 30 minutes. The low-dose x-ray takes seconds and it can be a bit uncomfortable.

If you're worried, talk to your mammographer – a female expert who is trained to help and can stop at any time if needed. Here’s what to expect:

• Before starting, the mammographer will check your details, ask about any breast issues, and explain what will happen
• You'll undress from the waist up in a private area and you may be given a hospital gown
• Each breast is placed on the x-ray machine and gently pressed between two plates to keep it still while images are taken
• You'll have four quick x-rays – two for each breast
• You’ll get dressed, continue your day and receive your results in the post.

What happens next?

Most people get the all-clear, but if anything needs checking, the NHS will be in touch.

It’s your choice

It is up to you if you have breast screening but remember, it’s just one 30-minute appointment every three years that could save your life. So, when you get an invite, why not go?

Symptoms of breast cancer It’s important to check your breasts regularly so you know what’s normal for you. Symptoms to watch out for include:

• A new lump, swelling or thickening in your breast, chest or armpit
• A change in size, shape or feel of your breast or chest
• Skin changes in your breast such as puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness of the skin
• Any fluid leaking from the nipple and you aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding
• Changes in the position of the nipple.

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.
• 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.

What does the screening involve?

You’ll need to book when invited at either the sexual health clinic, local GP practice, walk in centre at Halton Hospital or Living Well Service Bus.

A small sample of cells is taken from your cervix. The test is done by a female nurse or doctor and takes about 5 minutes. The whole appointment lasts around 10 minutes.

1. You'll undress from the waist down behind a screen and be given a sheet for privacy
2. You’ll lie on a bed with your knees apart (you may need to adjust position)
3. A smooth, tube-shaped tool (speculum) is gently inserted into your vagina. A small amount of lubricant may be used
4. The speculum is opened slightly so the person doing the test can see your cervix
5. A soft brush is used to take a small sample of cells from your cervix
6. The speculum is removed, and you can get dressed
7. Your sample is sent for testing, and you’ll get your results by post.

Here’s some of our Top Tips

• Wear a skirt or long jumper to feel more covered
• Bring a friend for support
• The person doing the test will do their best to make things as comfortable as possible for you. This might mean using a different sized speculum or changing your position
• Listen to music or focus on breathing exercises
• Remember: You can ask to stop at any time.

What happens next?

You may have light spotting after the test. Most people get the all-clear and do not have an HPV infection. If you do have HPV but no cell changes are found you’ll be invited for screening again in one year.

Sometimes you may be asked to repeat the test in 3 months’ time. This is because the results were unclear. It doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.

If abnormal cells are found, you’ll be contacted by the NHS for further tests or if you need treatment.

Symptoms of cervical cancer

• Unusual vaginal bleeding (during/after sex, between periods, after menopause, or heavier periods)
• Changes in vaginal discharge
• Pain during sex
• Pain in your lower back, pelvis, or lower tummy.

If you have fibroids or endometriosis, you may experience similar symptoms but always see your GP if something feels different or persistent.

Cervical screening can feel uncomfortable, but it’s quick and it could prevent cancer. If you’re invited, why not book your test?