Testing & Screening
This page focusses on the UK and testing and screening programmes carried out by the NHS. Despite that, it may still be of use to those elsewhere as it provides a rough indication of which tests and screening measures are likely important. As the NHS has been underfunded for many decades it does also indicate what is cost effective.
For prevention (rather than (hopefully) early detection) see the vaccinations article for more information on the UK's vaccination programmes.
Here's a summary of the programmes and who they are offered to, roughly ordered by age:
| Programme | From Age | Offered To | Detects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn Baby Screening | 0 | Newborns | General health, hearing defects, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) and seven inherited metabolic diseases |
| Diabetic Eye Screening | 12 | Diabetics | Diabetic retinopathy |
| STI Testing | 16 | On demand | Various STIs |
| Hepatitis C Testing | 18 | On demand | Hepatitus C |
| Cervical Screening | 25 | Women | Cervical cancer |
| Bowel Cancer Screening | 50 | Everyone | Bowel cancer |
| Breast Screening | 50 | Women | Breast cancer |
| Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening | 65 | Men | Abdominal aortic aneurysm |
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening
Offered to men when they turn 65 to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms (a dangerous swelling in the aorta).
See Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening for more information.
Bowel Cancer Screening
Host test kits are offered to everyone aged 50 to 74, every two years, to test for bowel cancer (one of the most common cancers in the UK).1
I've yet to meet anyone in the age group who's actually received one.
0800 707 6060
See Bowel cancer screening for more information.
Breast Screening
Offered to women aged 50 to 70 to detect early signs of breast cancer.1
See Breast screening (mammogram) for more information.
Cervical Screening
Offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 to check the health of cells in the cervix. It is offered every 3 years for those aged 25 to 49, and every 5 years from the ages of 50 to 64.1
See Cervical screening for more information.
Diabetic Eye Screening
Offered to everyone 12 and above with diabetes, to check for early signs of .
See Diabetic eye screening for more information.
Hepatitis C Testing
Often people have this without knowing. This can lead to life-threatening conditions such as liver cancer and liver failure.
If you live in England you can request a free NHS home test here: Get a free home test for hepatitis C.
As with any at home testing, it's wise to collect your samples and post them back as early in the week as you can to avoid your samples being delayed in the postal system over the weekend. Also keep this in mind during any national holidays.
STI/STD Testing
sh.uk offer home STI testing kits here: Your free online sexual health clinic.
I've used this service myself a number of times and it's very good and very discreet.
As with any at home testing, it's wise to collect your samples and post them back as early in the week as you can to avoid your samples being delayed in the postal system over the weekend. Also keep this in mind during any national holidays.
References
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Last reviewed: 2025-10-06