Interview coming soon
Watch & listen
Understanding bowel screening
A straightforward conversation about the FIT test, who gets one and what happens after you send it back.
Gaydio Cancer Awareness Week
Why screening matters
You don't need to feel unwell to get screened.
NHS cancer screening is designed for people who may not have any symptoms. Taking part when you're invited can help find problems earlier.
1
Check your invitation
Depending on the screening programme, you may receive an invitation by letter, text, through the NHS App or through your GP.
2
Take the next step
That could mean booking an appointment, completing a test at home or speaking to your GP if you think you should have been invited.
3
Don't ignore symptoms
Screening is for people without symptoms. If you're worried about a change in your body or health, speak to your GP.
Important: If you have concerns about your health, don't wait for a screening invitation. Speak to your GP.
Bowel cancer screening
A small test you do at home.
Bowel cancer screening uses a home testing kit called a FIT kit. If you're eligible and registered with a GP, the NHS sends the kit to you through the post.
NHS bowel screening informationWhat happens?
- In England, bowel screening is offered to eligible people aged 50 to 74.
- If you're registered with a GP, the NHS sends the FIT kit to your home.
- You collect a tiny sample of poo using the stick provided.
- Seal the sample in the tube and post it back free of charge.
- You'll receive your result after the sample has been processed.
- If blood is found, it does not automatically mean you have cancer. You may be invited for further checks.
If you're over 74, you can request a bowel screening kit every two years by contacting the NHS bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060.
Breast cancer screening
Breast screening uses a mammogram.
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts. It can help find cancers that may be too small to see or feel.
NHS breast screening informationWho is invited?
- NHS breast screening is offered from age 50 up to your 71st birthday.
- People registered with their GP as female will usually receive an automatic invitation.
- Your first invitation will usually arrive between the ages of 50 and 53.
- You'll then normally be invited every three years until your 71st birthday.
Trans or non-binary? You may need to speak to your GP about breast screening invitations. We've included more information below.
Cervical screening
Cervical screening helps prevent cancer.
Cervical screening checks the health of your cervix. A small sample of cells is taken and tested for certain types of HPV that can cause changes to cervical cells.
NHS cervical screening informationWho is invited?
- Cervical screening is offered to eligible people aged 25 to 64.
- Everyone with a cervix should be offered cervical screening.
- You may receive an invitation through the NHS App, by text or by letter.
- If you've missed your previous screening, you don't need to wait for another invitation before arranging one.
- The sample is tested for high-risk types of HPV.
- If HPV is found, the sample can then be checked for cell changes.
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer. It is a test designed to help prevent cervical cancer.
Trans & non-binary people
Your screening needs might not match the gender on your NHS record.
Cancer screening can sometimes be confusing for trans and non-binary people because some NHS invitations are generated using the sex recorded on your GP record.
This can mean you are not automatically invited for a screening that may still be relevant to you.
If you're unsure, speak to your GP, sexual health service or transgender health clinic about the screening that's right for you.
Breast screening
Breast screening invitations
People registered with their GP as female are usually automatically invited for NHS breast screening when eligible.
If you're trans or non-binary and think breast screening may be relevant to you but you haven't received an invitation, speak to your GP.
Cervical screening
If you have a cervix
Trans men and non-binary people who have a cervix should still be able to access cervical screening.
If you're registered with your GP as female, you should normally be invited automatically.
Cervical screening
If you're not registered as female
If your GP record lists you as male or another sex, you may not automatically receive cervical screening invitations, even if you have a cervix.
Speak to your GP, sexual health service or transgender health clinic about arranging screening.
If you do not have a cervix: you do not need cervical screening. If you're receiving invitations that aren't relevant to you, speak to your GP surgery.
NHS screening information for trans people
Myth vs fact
Let's make screening less scary.
Cancer screening can feel intimidating, especially if you've never been before. Knowing what it actually means can make taking the next step a little easier.
“I feel fine, so I don't need screening.”
Fact: Screening is specifically designed for people who do not have symptoms.
“An abnormal result means I have cancer.”
Fact: Screening can identify something that needs further investigation. It does not automatically mean cancer has been found.
“LGBTQ+ people aren't included.”
Fact: LGBTQ+ people can access NHS screening when they meet the relevant criteria. Some trans and non-binary people may need to ask their GP about invitations.
Watch & listen
Real conversations about cancer and screening.
Throughout Gaydio Cancer Awareness Week, we're speaking to experts, healthcare professionals and people with lived experience to answer questions, challenge myths and talk openly about cancer screening. You'll see the conversations across Gaydio's social channels, with selected interviews also heard on air.
Interview coming soon
Watch & listen
Talking about breast screening
What happens during a mammogram, who gets invited and what you can do if you think you've missed an invitation.
Interview coming soon
Watch & listen
Cervical screening & LGBTQ+ communities
Answering questions LGBTQ+ people may have about cervical screening, HPV and NHS invitations.
Questions about screening
Got questions? You're not the only one.
Do I have to pay for NHS cancer screening?
No. NHS cancer screening is free for people who are eligible.
Should I wait for screening if I've noticed a symptom?
No. Screening is designed for people who do not have symptoms. If you're worried about a change in your body or your health, speak to your GP.
I missed my cervical screening. Do I need to wait for another invitation?
No. If you missed your previous cervical screening, you don't have to wait for another invitation before booking an appointment. Contact your GP surgery.
What if I think I should have had a bowel screening kit?
If you think you're eligible but haven't received a bowel screening kit, contact the NHS bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060.
I'm trans or non-binary. How do I know which screening I need?
Some screening invitations are linked to the sex recorded on your GP record. Speak to your GP surgery, sexual health service or transgender health clinic if you're unsure about which screening is relevant to you.
Does being asked for more tests mean I have cancer?
No. A screening result can sometimes mean that further checks are needed. Being invited for more tests does not automatically mean you have cancer.
Take the next step
Your screening invitation matters.
If you're eligible for cancer screening, take a moment to check your invitation, book the appointment or complete the test. A few minutes today could make an enormous difference later.
This page provides general cancer screening information and does not replace medical advice. If you're worried about your health or have symptoms, speak to your GP.
