Be the Early Robin finding a lump

Cancer screening in Scotland

Cancer screening looks for early signs of cancer in people without symptoms. It can help spot cancers at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Cervical screening and bowel screening can even help prevent cancer from developing.

Be the early bird and take part in cancer screening when invited.

What cancers are screened for?

In Scotland, there are three national screening programmes. For more information, follow the links below:

Breast screening
Cervical screening
Bowel screening

    

Currently there is no screening programme for prostate cancer. The PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test is not recommended as a screening test as it is not reliable enough. However, people who have a prostate and are over 50 or have other risk factors (father, brother or son with prostate cancer, black or mixed ethnicity, family history of breast cancer (BRCA gene carriers), or have certain gene types in their family, can find out more information here.

Learn more about the signs of prostate cancer and what to look out for.

Why should I attend if I’m invited?

Screening can save lives by finding cancers at an early stage or even preventing them. The earlier cancer is found, the more treatment options are available and the better the body can respond to treatment.

Whether you choose to take part in screening or not is up to you but don't ignore your invite. You should read what's inside – including the benefits and risks - and then make your decision.

  • Half a million people in Scotland do their bowel screening test each year.
  • You're 9 times more likely to survive cervical cancer if it’s found early.
  • Breast screening prevents around 1,300 deaths each year in the UK.
  • 9 out of 10 people survive bowel cancer if it’s found and treated early.

Don’t forget about signs and symptoms

It’s still important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the type of cancer you’ve been screened for as cancer can sometimes develop between tests. If you have any concerns about possible symptoms, contact your GP practice as soon as possible.

It’s probably nothing serious, but it’s best to get checked.

Signs and symptoms of cancer