NHS Screening Programmes in Wales
Regular screening can help detect health conditions at an early stage, often before symptoms develop, when treatment is most effective. Screening is free through the NHS and is offered automatically to eligible patients. We encourage all patients to take up their screening invitations when they are received.
Cervical Screening (Smear Test)
- Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 years
- Helps prevent cervical cancer by identifying high-risk HPV and early cell changes
- Invitations are sent automatically through the NHS screening programme
More information: Cervical screening - Public Health Wales
Breast Screening (Breast Test Wales)
- Women aged 50 to 70 years
- Offered every 3 years
- Uses mammograms (breast X-rays) to detect breast cancer at an early stage
- Women aged over 70 can request screening directly
More information: Breast screening - Public Health Wales
Bowel Screening Wales
- People aged 50 to 74 years
- Offered every 2 years
- A simple home testing kit is sent by post
- Screening can help detect bowel cancer before symptoms develop
More information: Bowel Screening - Public Health Wales
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening
- Men aged 65 years
- A one-off ultrasound scan to check for enlargement of the abdominal aorta
- Men over 65 who have not previously been screened may be able to self-refer
Telephone: 0300 003 0512
More information: Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening - Public Health Wales
Diabetic Eye Screening
- People aged 12 years and over with diabetes
- Regular screening helps identify diabetic eye disease before vision is affected
- Invitations are sent automatically to eligible patients
More information: Diabetic eye screening - Public Health Wales
Pregnancy Screening
Women who are pregnant are offered a range of screening tests throughout pregnancy
More information: Antenatal screening - Public Health Wales
Newborn screening
Newborn babies are offered bloodspot and hearing screening shortly after birth.
More information: Newborn bloodspot screening - Public Health Wales
Screening for Transgender people
Screening can present specific problems for trans people, especially when it means that specific parts of the body have to be looked at. The chest, cervix, testicles and prostate are all areas that need screening and/or self checking to reduce the chance of cancer developing. However, because these areas are sex specific, trans people may find it emotionally or practically harder to engage with screening. You may also find that you are not invited to screening tests when you should be, if you have asked the health service to change your gender on their records.
More information: NHS 111 Wales - LGBTQ+
Remember: Screening is for people who do not have symptoms. If you are worried about any symptoms or changes in your health, please contact the practice and do not wait for your screening invitation.