Cancer Screening Could Save Your Life

Frimley Health and Care is reminding everyone of the vital importance of attending or taking part in routine cancer screening when invited. Screening helps detect cancer at an early stage, often before symptoms appear. This is when it’s easier to treat and the chances of survival are much higher. 

We know that life is busy, and it can be easy to put off appointments or to pop the screening kit on the side for later, especially if you're feeling well. But cancer can develop silently, and screening is one of the most effective tools we have for spotting problems early. 

Why Cancer Screening Matters 

• Early detection saves lives: Many cancers found through screening are in the early stages and are easier to treat successfully. 

• It’s quick and free: NHS screening appointments are offered free of charge and usually take just a few minutes. 

• You may not have symptoms: Screening looks for early signs of cancer before you notice anything is wrong. 

There are currently three national cancer screening programmes in the UK: 

• Cervical screening – offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 in the UK every 5 years. 

• Breast screening –offered to women (including some transgender women), some transgender men and some non-binary people aged 50-70 in the UK every 3 years.  

• Bowel cancer screening – offered to everyone aged 50 to 74 using a home testing kit every 2 years. 

The NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme is currently being rolled out in local areas, including parts of Frimley, and will be available nationally by 2029. The programme aims to find lung cancer early amongst people aged 55-74 who are a current or former smoker, by offering them a lung health check, and if they are at higher risk, a CT scan of their lungs.  

If you’ve received a screening invitation or home testing kit, please make your appointment or complete your kit as soon as possible. If you think you may have missed a screening, misplaced your kit, or are unsure if you're due, contact your GP practice to check. You do need to be registered with a GP practice to receive screening initiations.  

We’re asking everyone in the Frimley Health and Care area to remind friends and family to carry out their screenings. Together, we can help more people catch cancer early and save lives. 

For more information visit our Cancer Screening page.