In short: In England, women are offered cervical screening from 25 to 64, breast screening from 50 to 71, bowel cancer screening with a home FIT kit from 50 to 74, and lung cancer screening from 55 to 74 if they smoke or used to smoke. There is no ovarian cancer screening, so knowing the symptoms matters. Always take up your NHS invitations and see your GP about any changes.
When it comes to women's health, cancer screening is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself. Early detection through regular checks greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. Here is a guide to the key cancer checks for women in the UK, based on current NHS guidance, tailored by age and risk.
1. Cervical Screening
Who is invited: Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64.
The test: A small sample of cells is taken from the cervix and first tested for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes most cervical cancers. If HPV is found, the cells are checked for changes. In England, people who test HPV-negative are usually invited every five years; anyone with HPV may be invited back sooner.
Why it matters: Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, thanks to HPV vaccination and regular screening.
2. Breast Screening
Who is invited: Women aged 50 to 71 are invited every three years. After 71, you can still ask for screening.
- Mammogram: An X-ray of the breasts that can find cancers too small to see or feel.
- Higher risk: Women with a strong family history or a gene change such as BRCA may be offered screening earlier, sometimes including MRI.
- Breast awareness: Know what is normal for you, and see your GP about any lump, skin change, nipple change or other new symptom.
Why it matters: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK, and early detection greatly improves outcomes.
3. Bowel Cancer Screening
Who is invited: Everyone aged 50 to 74 is sent a home test kit every two years. People with a strong family history may be offered earlier checks.
- Faecal immunochemical test (FIT): A simple home test that detects hidden blood in a poo sample.
- Colonoscopy: Offered if your FIT result is abnormal. Polyps can be removed during the test.
Why it matters: Bowel cancer can often be prevented by removing polyps before they become cancerous.
4. Lung Health Checks
In England, people aged 55 to 74 who smoke or used to smoke are being invited for a lung health check and, if at higher risk, a low-dose CT scan to find lung cancer early.
5. Skin Cancer
There is no routine skin screening in the UK. Check your skin regularly for new or changing moles, and see your GP about anything unusual, especially if you have had a lot of sun exposure or have a family history of skin cancer. Skin cancer, including melanoma, is highly treatable when caught early.
6. Ovarian Cancer
There is no screening programme for ovarian cancer, because current tests (the CA125 blood test and ultrasound) have not been shown to save lives in the general population. Know the symptoms instead: persistent bloating, feeling full quickly, tummy or pelvic pain, and needing to pee more often. If these happen most days, see your GP, who may arrange a CA125 test. Women at high risk, such as BRCA carriers, should be under specialist care.
A Note on Tumour Markers
Blood tests called tumour markers (such as PSA, CA125 or CEA) can be raised in some cancers, but they are not diagnostic. They can be raised by non-cancerous conditions and can be normal even when cancer is present. An abnormal result needs further assessment by a doctor, and a normal result doesn't rule cancer out. They don't replace NHS screening or seeing your GP about symptoms.
Sources: NHS cervical screening, NHS breast screening, NHS bowel cancer screening, NHS lung cancer screening, NHS ovarian cancer.
Conclusion
Some of these checks are routine NHS screening, while others depend on your personal risk. Talk to your GP about your risk profile, as you may need different or additional checks. Screening is your first line of defence against cancer, often allowing simpler and more effective treatment. Take up your invitations, stay informed and speak up about your health.
Frequently asked questions
How often is cervical screening in the UK?
It's offered from age 25 to 64. In England, if you test HPV-negative you are usually invited every 5 years; you may be invited sooner if HPV is found.
When does breast screening start?
Women in England are invited from age 50 up to their 71st birthday, every 3 years. Women at higher risk may start earlier.
Is there a screening test for ovarian cancer?
No. The CA125 blood test is used when symptoms suggest ovarian cancer, but it isn't diagnostic and can be raised for other reasons.
What are the signs of ovarian cancer?
Persistent bloating, feeling full quickly, tummy or pelvic pain, and needing to pee more often. See your GP if these happen most days.
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- Full Body MOT Health Check Plus Cancer (results: next day)
- CA 125 (Ovarian Cancer Marker) (results: next day)
This article is for general information only. Please discuss your results, and any symptoms, with a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.
