Cancer screening and early detection

Understanding your options for early detection and ongoing checks

Article Author: Dr Alan Twomey, Teladoc Health UK

For those who are working, staying active, or rebuilding confidence after cancer treatment, screening and early detection can play an important role in protecting long-term health. As priorities shift and life begins to open up again, screening can offer reassurance, help identify potential problems early, and support you in staying healthy and independent for years to come.

What screenings are available – and who are they for?

In the UK, several screening programmes are available through the NHS. These are designed for people without symptoms. If you do notice any symptoms, it’s important to speak to a GP as soon as possible.

Bowel cancer screening is offered every two years to people aged 50–74. It involves a simple home test (FIT test) that looks for hidden blood in the stool. If you’re aged 75 or over, you can still request screening by calling the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, but when detected early, more than 90% of people survive for five years or longer [1].
Breast cancer screening is offered to women aged 50–71. You’ll be invited for a mammogram (a type of x-ray) every three years. Research shows that screening significantly reduces deaths from breast cancer in women aged 50 to 70 who attend. Some areas are also extending invitations to women aged 47–73.
Cervical screening is available for women aged 25–64. You’ll usually be invited every five years, although this may be sooner depending on previous results.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening is offered to men during the year they turn 65. It uses an ultrasound scan to detect swelling in the main artery. Men over 65 who haven’t been screened can self-refer. Screening isn’t routinely offered to women or younger men, as the risk is lower.
NHS Health Checks are available every five years for adults aged 40–74. These assess your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease - conditions that can become more common with age and may be influenced by previous cancer treatment.
Prostate awareness and testing is important for men over 50. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, and early-stage disease often has no obvious symptoms. While there isn’t a national screening programme, a PSA blood test can be requested through a GP following a discussion about the benefits and limitations. Understanding the results before deciding on the test is important, as they aren’t always straightforward.
Ongoing surveillance after cancer may be recommended depending on your previous diagnosis and treatment. This personalised follow-up helps identify any recurrence or late effects at an early stage.

How to check your eligibility or book an appointment

Most NHS screening invitations are sent automatically by post, so it’s important to keep your GP contact details up to date.

You can also check your eligibility on the NHS website, book appointments through your GP surgery, and use the NHS App or online booking systems.

If your invitation hasn’t arrived, you can contact your GP or check your eligibility here: https://www.standuptocancer.org.uk/screening-checker/eligibility

How Virtual GP can help

Understanding which screenings are relevant - or whether symptoms are something to worry about - isn’t always straightforward. Virtual GP services offer a convenient way to access medical advice without the need for a face-to-face appointment.

A Virtual GP can:

Explain which screenings are appropriate and when
Discuss symptoms such as fatigue, pain, or bowel changes
Advise whether further tests or referrals are needed
Provide reassurance about what may be a normal part of recovery versus
What should be checked

This can be especially valuable when balancing work, recovery, and everyday life.

When a Second Medical Opinion can support next steps

Screening results can sometimes be unclear or raise new questions. For people with a history of cancer, this uncertainty can feel particularly stressful. A Second Medical Opinion can help by:

Interpreting screening or test results
Clarifying diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring options
Supporting decisions about next steps
Providing reassurance that a care plan is appropriate

Access to an additional expert perspective can improve confidence and reduce anxiety when decisions matter most.

Why taking action matters

Screening plays a critical role in improving outcomes. Around half of cancers identified through screening are detected at an early stage[2], when treatment is often less intensive and more effective. Despite this, screening uptake among men remains lower than among women - particularly for bowel cancer, where around one in three eligible men do not complete the test[3].

Screening isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about making use of the support available to protect your health, maintain your independence, and focus on living life well.