NHS screening helps diagnose cancer earlier and leads to treatment to save lives
Cancer screening
Cancer screening can help detect cancer early and improve chances of successful treatment. It can identify changes in the body before symptoms appear, helping prevent cancer, or detect it at an earlier stage when it is more treatable.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer screening is making a significant difference in Sussex. Since launching in Sussex in June 2022, the programme has diagnosed 277 lung cancers, helping people get treated earlier – when it is most effective.
Lung health checks are offered to people aged 55 to 74 who currently smoke or have smoked in the past. These checks use a scan to look for early signs of lung cancer and are being rolled out across Sussex in community locations.
Cervical
Cervical screening is offered to women and people aged 25 to 64 who have a cervix. The test checks for human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, which can cause cervical cancer. Invitations are usually sent every five years. GP practices can help arrange screening or provide support if someone has questions or has not yet been invited.
Breast
Breast screening is offered to women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday, with invitations usually sent every three years. Across Sussex, more than 109,000 women have attended breast screening out of around 159,000 people who are eligible.
Bowel cancer
Bowel cancer screening is offered to people aged 50 to 74, who receive a free home test kit every two years. The test can be completed in private and returned by post. It looks for small amounts of blood in stool, which could be a sign that further checks are needed. People aged 75 or over can request a kit.
National cancer plan
This work supports wider improvements in cancer diagnosis across Sussex. Recent data shows that more cancers are being diagnosed at an earlier stage, and most people referred urgently with suspected cancer are receiving a diagnosis or the all clear within 28 days, faster than the national target.
The NHS recently published its national cancer plan, which sets out how services will continue to improve early diagnosis and access to care.
“Screening is one of the most effective ways to detect cancer early, often before symptoms appear, when treatment is more likely to be successful.
“We know that screening is already saving lives across Sussex, including through lung health checks which have helped diagnose cancers earlier.
“We want people across Sussex to understand that these screening programmes are free and available to help protect their health. If someone receives an invitation, it is important that they take up the offer, as it could make a life-saving difference.”
Dr Charlotte Canniff, Joint Chief Medical Officer for NHS Surrey Heartlands and NHS Sussex
People who notice any unusual symptoms or changes to their health should contact their GP practice, even if they are not due for screening.