Bowel cancer screening
Bowel cancer is the 4th most common type of cancer. Screening can help find it at an early stage when it's easier to treat.
If you are aged between 60 and 74 you are eligible for bowel cancer screening every two years.*
You will receive a kit in the post for you to complete in the comfort of your own home. The testing kit will come with full instructions on how to complete the screening process.
You can find out more about the screening process including why screening is done, details of the test, and the results you can expect and what they mean here.
An easy read guide to bowel cancer screening can be found here.
Do you know the symptoms of bowel cancer?
The most common are:
- Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
- A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
- A pain or lump in your stomach
These symptoms don’t always mean bowel cancer, but if you have one or more of the symptoms listed, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.
*The age range for bowel cancer screening is being lowered, you may receive a test before the age of 60. If you are 75 or over, you can request a test kit by calling 0800 707 6060.
Breast cancer screening
Breast screening saves around 1,300 lives each year in the UK.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and treatment is most effective when found and diagnosed early. The NHS breast screening programme aims to detect breast cancer at a very early stage. If you are aged between 50 and 70 years old and registered with a North Tyneside GP practice you will receive a routine breast screening invitation when it's your turn.
If you are concerned about changes with your breasts, do not wait for your screening appointment and seek advice from your GP straight away.
You can find out more about breast screening online here. To make or change your appointment once you have received a letter from the Breast Screening Service, call 0191 282 0202. You will not be able to make an appointment before you have been invited by letter.
An easy read guide to breast cancer screening can be found here.
Cervical cancer screening
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are eligible for cervical screening.
Cervical screening appointments are available in North Tyneside via your GP practice and at the Shiremoor One to One Centre.
Out of hours appointments are also available seven days a week, including at evenings and weekends, at Battle Hill Health Centre, Beaumont Park Surgery, Marine Avenue Medical Centre, Nelson Medical Group, and The Oxford Centre. Find out more here.
You can book an appointment via your GP practice or the Shiremoor One to One Centre. Out of hour appointments can be booked by calling 0191 486 2195.
You can find out more about the screening process including why it's important, what happens at your appointment and the results here.
An easy read guide to cervical cancer screening can be found here.
Do you know the symptoms of cervical cancer?
The most common are:
- Vaginal bleeding (that is unusual for you)
- Changes to vaginal discharge
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Pain in your lower back or pelvis
If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.