Why Early Detection Saves Lives
The five-year survival rate for localised breast cancer is over 99%. For breast cancer detected at stage IV, it falls to 28%. This stark difference illustrates why cancer screening — finding cancer before symptoms develop — can be genuinely life-saving.
Screening detects cancer or precancerous changes in people with no symptoms, at a stage when treatment is most effective and often less aggressive.
Breast Cancer Screening
Who: Women aged 50–70 (NHS); consider from 40–49 if family history
Test: Mammography every 3 years (NHS) or annually (high-risk patients)
Additional tests for high-risk: Breast MRI, genetic testing (BRCA1/2)
Risk factors warranting earlier screening:
- Mother or sister with breast cancer before 50
- Confirmed BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
- Previous chest radiotherapy (e.g., for lymphoma)
Cervical Cancer Screening
Who: Women/people with a cervix aged 25–64
Test: Cervical screening (smear test) — now tests for HPV primary
- Ages 25–49: every 3 years
- Ages 50–64: every 5 years
- HPV-vaccinated individuals still require screening
Bowel Cancer Screening
Who: Ages 50–74 (NHS programme expanding to 50)
Test: Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) — home stool sample kit every 2 years
If FIT positive: Colonoscopy
High-risk groups (earlier/more frequent colonoscopy):
- Family history of bowel cancer
- Hereditary syndromes (Lynch syndrome, FAP)
- Personal history of adenomatous polyps
- Long-standing inflammatory bowel disease
Lung Cancer Screening
Who (high-risk targeted programme): Ages 55–74 with significant smoking history
Test: Low-dose CT (LDCT) of the chest annually
The UK Targeted Lung Health Check programme is rolling out nationally. Evidence shows LDCT screening reduces lung cancer mortality by 20%.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Situation: No formal UK national screening programme currently
PSA test: Available on request to men aged 50+ after informed discussion
Men with family history of prostate cancer or Black African/Caribbean ethnicity (higher risk) should discuss PSA testing with their GP from age 45.
Skin Cancer
Self-examination: Monthly skin check using the ABCDE rule:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Colour variation
- Diameter > 6 mm
- Evolving (any change)
See a dermatologist annually if you have: fair skin, many moles, family history of melanoma, or significant UV exposure history.
When and How Often to See Our Oncology Team
If you have a significant family history of any cancer — particularly breast, ovarian, bowel, or prostate cancer — we offer:
Family History Clinic: Formal risk assessment, genetic counselling, and personalised surveillance plan
Genetic Testing: BRCA1/2, Lynch syndrome, and other hereditary cancer gene panels where clinically indicated
CT Colonography: Virtual colonoscopy for bowel assessment without sedation
Our multidisciplinary cancer team meets weekly to review complex cases and ensure every patient receives an evidence-based, personalised approach.
The Bottom Line
Screening is not perfect — no test is. False positives lead to anxiety and sometimes unnecessary investigations. But for the cancers with established screening programmes, the evidence clearly shows more lives saved than harm caused.
Don't wait for symptoms. Book your age-appropriate screening today.
