Did you know there are lots of free health checks and interventions available to women?

Do you know what they all are?

Take a look, it may surprise you.
Wellbeing of Women strives to raise awareness so all women know about the checks that are available to them. These checks can be life saving and prevent serious problems.

As with all screening tests, they only check for problems at the time of the test. Whilst a negative result is always good, you still need to be vigilant. If any symptoms develop before the next screening, or before you are due for your first screening i.e. lumps, bumps, abnormal bleeding or anything concerning; go to your doctor and get checked, do not wait for the screening test.

• HPV vaccination

Available to: 12-13yr olds.

What is it? It is an immunisation to protect against HPV which is a virus that can cause cervical cancer. The current vaccine protects against the ‘high risk’ strains of HPV which cause cervical cancer in over 70 per cent of women.

How do I get it? Schools run programmes or GP surgeries can provide the vaccination when schools do not.

• Cervical screening

Available to: Women aged 25-64 (in England) 20- 64 (Scotland and Wales). Women aged between 25-49 (in England) are invited every 3 years, women aged 50 to 64 every 5 years. Women aged over 64 are eligible if they have never been screened. The biggest risk factor for cervical cancer is never having had a screening test.

What is it? It is designed to detect cell changes that left untreated, can lead to cervical cancer. This used to be called a ‘smear test’. It involves an internal vaginal check where a tiny sample of cervical cells are taken by a swab or brush and sent for testing.

How do I get it? You will be sent an invite for an appointment at your GP practice – you need to make the appointment. If you do not receive it contact your local screening centre or GP.

• Breast cancer screening

Available to: Women aged 50 to 70, screening every three years. Women over 70 can self refer for screening every 3 years. 

What is it? It is called a mammogram, which is an x-ray of the breasts. It is designed to detect breast cancer earlier.

How do I get it? You will be sent an invitation through the post with the date and time of the test. You will be able to change it if it is not convenient. If you do not receive it contact your local screening centre or GP.

• Bowel cancer screening

Available to: Women and (Men) aged 60 – 69, every 2 years. People over 70 can request a screening kit by calling the free phone helpline 0800 707 6060.

What is it? It is a ‘self testing’ kit sent through the post by the local screening service. You collect a small stool (bowel motion) sample in the test kit provided and send it back in the post. It is designed to test for blood in the sample. This can be a sign of bowel cancer, so if it comes back positive further tests will be needed. It is not a direct test for bowel cancer.

How do I get it? You will receive the test kit in the post, at the appropriate age range. If you do not receive it contact your local screening centre or GP.

• Ovarian cancer screening

Available to: There is no accurate screening test at present. However, anyone with a history of ovarian cancer in the family can discuss this with the GP and certain checks might be offered.

What is it? A small amount of ovarian cancer cases are thought to be linked to family history. Blood tests (CA125) and/ or ultrasound scan may be offered.

How do I get it? See your GP. This may be used if you have symptoms or after discussion when there is a strong history in the family.

• Chlamydia testing

Available to: Women who are sexually active and under 25. The NHS recommends annual tests or when you change your sexual partner.

What is it? It is a self test. Women can either give a urine sample or take a swab from the lower part of the vagina. Chlamydia is the most common STI (sexually transmitted infection) in the under 25s, it is often symptomless and can in some cases if not treated, can lead to pelvic pain and possible infertility.

How do I get it? The tests are available in a range of places from local health centres/GP surgeries to drop in clinics. There is a local service finder on the NHS screening programme website.

• NHS health check

Available to: Men and women between the ages of 40 and 74, once every five years. Only available to people who have not already been diagnosed with one of these conditions: heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes (these people will already be monitored).

What is it? You will be invited to have a check to assess your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes and will be given support and advice to help reduce or manage the risk. The NHS say that: together, these four conditions are the largest cause of death in the UK, but the good news is that all of these conditions can be prevented, even if there's a history of them in your family. 


How do I get it? You may be invited for the check by letter, or you may be offered the check whilst seeing the GP or local pharmacy for another reason. If unsure ask at your local GP surgery/health centre. Please note that screening frequency and availability can vary in different areas of the UK, for more information see the NHS Screening website. 



Page last updated December 2011
 

Wellbeing of Women