Protection through screening
Screening is a way of identifying apparently healthy people who may be at increased risk of a disease or condition, such as cancer. They can then be offered information, further tests and treatment to reduce their risk and/or any complications arising from the disease or condition.
There are many major national screening programmes available in England that save thousands of lives a year and improve the quality of life for those affected. The NHS Breast Screening Programme, for example, saves 1,400 lives a year in England.
If you’re registered with a Bury GP, you'll automatically receive invitations for relevant screening tests throughout your life. You don’t have to take up these invitations, but it’s strongly advised that you do. All screening tests are scientifically proven to be effective and could mean that a serious condition is spotted early, when it may be easier to treat.