Screening
Cervical Screening
Cervical Screening is not a test for cancer. It is a method of preventing early cancer by detecting and treating early abnormalities, which if left untreated could lead to cancer of the cervix. To find out more, please visit the NHS Cancer Screening website.
The Kingsley-Ward Centre offers a cervical screening drop-in clinic on Saturday mornings between 9.00 am and 11.00 am. Visit www.thekwc.nhs.uk for more information.
Who is eligible for screening?
All women between the ages of 25 and 64 are eligible for a free cervical screening test every three to five years. This means that women are provided with a more targeted and effective screening programme.
The NHS call and recall system invites women who are registered with a GP. It also keeps track of any follow-up investigation, and, if all is well, recalls the woman for screening in three or five years time. It is therefore important that all women ensure their GP has their correct name and address details and inform them if these change.
Women who have not had a recent test may be offered one when they attend their GP or family planning clinic on another matter. Women should receive their first invitation for routine screening at 25.
The intervals are:
| Age group (years) |
Frequency of screening |
| 25 |
First invitation |
|
25-49
|
3 yearly |
|
50-64
|
5 yearly |
|
65+
|
Only screen those who have not been screened since 50 or have had recent abnormal tests |
Why are women under 25 not invited?
This is because changes in the young cervix are normal. If they were thought to be abnormal this could lead to unnecessary treatment which could have consequences for women's childbearing. Any abnormal changes can be easily picked up and treated from the age of 25. Rarely, younger women experience symptoms such as unexpected bleeding or bleeding after intercourse. In this case they should see their GP for advice.
Why are women over 65 not invited?
Women aged 65 and over are taken out of the call recall system unless they need ongoing surveillance or follow up. This is generally required if a woman has had an abnormal result in any of her three most recent tests or is recommended for early repeats owing to a previous abnormality.
Generally speaking, the natural history and progression of cervical cancer means it is highly unlikely that women of 65 and over will go on to develop the disease. Women aged 65 and over who have never had a test are entitled to one.
For further information contact:
- Amy Young, Public Health Nurse on 01702 226692
Useful websites
www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk
www.thekwc.nhs.uk
Breast awareness and breast screening
One in nine women will develop breast cancer at some time in their life, and it is more common in women over 50. Breast screening is the most effective way to detect cancers when they are too small to detect otherwise.
It is important for women to become breast aware, by regularly checking their breasts and knowing what is normal for them. This handy 5-point code will help you become breast aware:
- Know what is normal for you
- Know what changes to look and feel for
- Look and feel
- Report changes to your GP without delay
- Attend routine breast screening when you are eligible
Breast screening is an x-ray examination of the breasts and can show breast cancers at a very early stage when they are too small for you or your doctor to feel. All women aged between 50 and 70 within South East Essex are invited to attend breast screening every three years. Women over 70 are not automatically invited for breast screening, but you can still request an appointment at one of the South East Essex screening units. We get your name from the Health Authority records, so it is important your doctor always has your correct name and address.
Frequently asked questions
- We hear of younger women having breast cancer. Why does the breast screening programme start at 50 years of age?
Although it is not unusual for younger women to have breast cancer the risk increases with age. The breast tissue in younger women is denser and a mammogram may not detect problems. If you notice any changes in your breasts, report the changes to your G.P, you are not wasting anybody's time.
- How should I check my breasts? I was advised that using my fingertips would be too sensitive and to use the palm of my hand instead.
The professional advice is to apply pressure keeping the hand flat using the pads of 3 fingers; palpate the whole breast, including the nipple and the armpit. You may prefer to do this with a soapy hand when washing.
- I have silicone implants. Will this affect my screening?
We cannot screen you at the mobile unit as the silicone prevents the x- ray from identifying changes. We can accommodate you at the breast unit, where we can take special measures to obtain better pictures.
- I have been told that the risks of being exposed to radiation outweigh the benefits of having a breast screening. Is this true?
An x-ray takes 5 minutes and involves a tiny dose of radiation, so the health risks are very small. Breast screening saves an estimated 1,400 lives each year, so the benefits outweigh the risks.
- My mother and my auntie have both had breast cancer. Does this mean that I am at greater risk of developing breast cancer?
Consult your doctor and appropriate advice will be given. There is a Family History Clinic at Southend Hospital and your GP will refer you if appropriate.
- I am in perfect health and feel that I am tempting fate if I go for a breast screening (if it's not broken don't fix it!). Why should I go?
This is not an uncommon reaction. Screening is a preventative measure offered to women who are not displaying symptoms. This can cause anxiety in some women because they are faced with the prospect that there might be something wrong. Breast screening is the most effective way to detect cancers when they are too small to detect otherwise. Women who regularly attend screening reduce their risk of dying of breast cancer because most cancers are found at an early stage when there is a good chance of recovery. It is better to fix it before it is broken!
- I was told that I reduce my risk of getting breast cancer if I breast feed my baby. It this true?
It is true that if you breast-feed your baby for a substantial length of time you will reduce your risk of getting breast cancer. For further information contact Rachel Clark, Community Development Worker on 01268 464543.
Useful websites
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