Good Health this winter - Part 2 - Get a free NHS screening

Get a free NHS screening

Each year around 10,000 lives are saved as over 15 million people are invited for screening. From birth to our twilight years, we are offered different types of screening at specific stages of our lives.

Screening can identify health risks and signs of disease that you may not be able to see or feel. It helps to prevent illnesses like cancer or catching and treating conditions early.

The following screenings are available:

• Pregnancy: During pregnancy and after baby is born. It looks after baby’s health and can prevent disabilities.
• Cervical Screening: For ages 25-64. It looks for signs of cervical cancer.
• Bowel Cancer Home Testing Kit: For ages 60-74, (soon to be ages 50+).  This is sent trough the post. Take the test and return it. It looks for blood in your poo, a sign of bowel cancer.
• Breast Screening: For ages 50-70. Book an appointment. It can catch cancers early.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening: For ages 65+. This looks for a bulge in the blood vessel that runs down through your tummy. It can be very serious and life threatening.
• Eye Screening: For diabetic patients over 12.

Your GP can explain any of these screenings to you. For more info, visit www.nhs.uk.

Next week we will look at how and why to keep your family up to date with routine vaccines.