Gaydio Cancer Awareness Week

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. Depending on the screening programme, you may receive an invitation by letter, text, through the NHS App or through your GP — that could mean booking an appointment, completing a test at home or speaking to your GP if you think you should have been invited.

Screening is for people without symptoms. If you're worried about a change in your body or health, don't wait for an invitation — speak to your GP.

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.

Websitewww.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bowel-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.

Websitewww.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/

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.

Websitewww.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/

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.

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.

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. 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.

Websitewww.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-population-screening-information-for-transgender-people

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.

Fact: Screening is specifically designed for people who do not have symptoms.

Fact: Screening can identify something that needs further investigation. It does not automatically mean cancer has been found.

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.

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.

A straightforward conversation about the FIT test, who gets one and what happens after you send it back.

What happens during a mammogram, who gets invited and what you can do if you think you've missed an invitation.

Answering questions LGBTQ+ people may have about cervical screening, HPV and NHS invitations.

Got questions? You're not the only one.

Does cancer screening cost anything? No. NHS cancer screening is free for people who are eligible.

Do I need to have symptoms to be invited? 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 rather than waiting for an invitation.

If I missed my last cervical screening, do I have to wait for another invitation? No. Contact your GP surgery and book an appointment.

I think I'm eligible for bowel screening but haven't received a kit — what do I do? Contact the NHS bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060.

I'm trans or non-binary — how do I know which screenings apply to me? 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.

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 cancer has been found.

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.

Websitewww.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/bowel-cancer-screening/Websitewww.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/Websitewww.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/