These programmes also play a crucial role in reducing health inequalities through reaching community members at convenient locations. Screening is an important part of keeping yourself fit and healthy because it can identify if you are at increased risk of a health problem or a condition, so that early treatment or intervention can be offered.
Screening is always a choice — you can decide which tests are right for you . Screening is offered to people who are most likely to benefit from it. You will be sent screening invitations at different stages of your life. There are three important cancer screening programmes offered by the NHS in London.
"Screening is an important way of detecting cancer early, when it is easier to treat," says NHS London’s medical director Dr Chris Streather. "This is why you should respond to your screening invitation when you receive it. It could save your life."
Bowel cancer screening
London director of public health, Professor Kevin Fenton says: “Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers. Anyone can get it. In the UK, 43,000 people are diagnosed with it and over 16,500 people die from it each year — more than 45 a day.
"Screening — which you do in private at home — can help prevent bowel cancer or find it at an early stage when it’s easier to treat."
x-ray image of large intestine GettyImages-1187847466
Inside the bowel.
Dr Gideon Lipman, a consultant gastroenterologist at St Mark’s Hospital, says: “Returning a stool test for bowel cancer screening is a simple and effective way to detect bowel cancer at an early and treatable stage and I would urge anyone invited to participate in the national programme to take up the offer.”
Angela Kirby, age 62, echoes this advice. “If I had never had the test, I would never have known I had cancer. I know people might feel embarrassed about using the test, but it is not a big deal, it is very straightforward. I followed the instructions and it only took me a few minutes. I would encourage anyone who receives the test kit to use it as soon as it arrives”
The NHS sends out free bowel cancer screening kits to everyone aged 60 to 74, every two years. The test can be done in private at home and is for people with no symptoms. For further information, go to www.nhs.uk/bowel/cancer
Cervical screening
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women under the age of 35 in England. Cervical screening saves at least 2,000 lives each year in the UK.
Cervical screening is offered to women every three years from age 25 to 49. From age 50 to 64 it is offered every five years. The test itself should take less than five minutes and will usually be done by a female nurse or doctor. You can always ask for a female to do the test. For more information visit: www.nhs.uk/cervical-screening
Dr Nikki Kanani, a south east London GP and medical director for primary care at NHS England, says: “By screening for risk signs at an early stage, it means that any abnormal cells can be treated quickly before they potentially develop into cancer.
"We know it can feel embarrassing or feel like something that you can easily put off, but accepting your invite and getting checked could save your life. And please do speak to your GP practice about any concerns you might have — we are here to help you.”
Breast cancer screening
One in eight women gets breast cancer. Your risk of getting breast cancer increases as you get older, and most breast cancers are found in women aged over 50.
Dr Charlotte Klass, consultant in public health, says: “The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better chance of successful treatment. We encourage women not to delay and take up their screening appointments when they are invited. The letter will provide instructions on how to book an appointment. Your breast screening appointment will be at a breast screening unit or in a mobile screening van available in convenient community locations, such as supermarket car parks. The specialist doing the test will always be female.”
Martine Sanger, age 62, says: “I was very fortunate. I did not have any lumps or symptoms but I attended my screening appointment, as I have been doing every three years since the first time I was invited, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer in an early stage. I would say to anyone who feel embarrassed about attending the breast cancer screening that don’t be, there is nothing to be embarrassed about, just go, don’t wait!”
NHS breast screening checks are offered to women aged 50 to 70 every three years, to check if your breasts are healthy. If you are over 70, you can still ask for screening every three years. Some women have an increased genetic or familial risk of breast cancer and may be offered screening earlier or more frequently. The NHS will be also launching, in partnership with the Jewish community, a BRCA screening programme to provide genetic testing to people with Jewish ancestry. BRCA gene mutations increase the risk of developing certain cancers including breast cancer.
For more information you can visit: www.nhs.uk/breast-screening-mammogram
This article was prepared by: Dr Leonora Weil, public health consultant, UKHSA and, co-chair of the London Jewish Health Partnership , Ana Zuriaga-Alvaro, NHS and London Jewish Health Partnership project lead, Andrew Gilbert, co-chair of the London Jewish Forum, co-chair of the London Jewish Health Partnership and Daniel Kosky, director of the London Jewish Forum, co-chair of the London Jewish Health Partnership.
