What Test, When?
1. Breast screening
Breast screening is offered to individuals aged 50 -71 to detect early signs of breast cancer. Women over 71 can self-refer.
Link to breast pages of WHH
2. Bowel Screening
Bowel Screening is offered to individuals aged 50 – 74 to detect early signs of bowel cancer,
If you're 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every 2 years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060.
3. Cervical Screening
Cervical screening is offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25-64 to check for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
The cervical screening programme has recently changed.
Find the NHSE FAQs: NHS Cervical Screening Programme FAQs
Link to cervical screening pages on WHH
Link to NHSE Cervical Screening document
🏳️🌈 Supporting the LGBTQ+
NHS screening programmes aim to detect problems early when treatment may be more effective.
They do not discriminate against gender identity or sexuality, cancer screening is for everyone. If you are eligible, it’s important to attend.
Screening is available through GP practices and some sexual health clinics. Taking part in screening programmes is your choice.
Breast
If you're a trans man, trans woman or are non-binary how you are invited will depend on the sex you are registered with at a GP:
- if you're registered as female with a GP you will automatically be invited for breast screening
- if you're registered as male with a GP you will not automatically be invited for breast screening
What do I do if I was assigned female at birth
If you've not had top surgery (surgery to remove the breasts and have male chest reconstruction), you can have breast screening.
If you've had top surgery, you may still have some breast tissue. But it's unlikely you will be able to have a mammogram. Talk to a GP if you notice any changes in your chest tissue or symptoms of breast cancer.
If you think you should have breast screening, but you are not invited automatically, talk to your GP surgery or call the local breast screening service to ask for an appointment.
What to do if I was assigned male at birth
If you've been taking feminising hormones for longer than 2 years, you can have breast screening. These hormones can increase your chance of getting breast cancer.
If you think you should have breast screening, but you are not invited automatically, talk to your GP surgery or call the local breast screening service to ask for an appointment.
