Regular screening is offered at different stages in life.
It is a way of finding out if people are at higher risk of a health problem, so they can then be offered information, further tests and appropriate treatment to reduce their risk and/or any complications arising from the disease or condition.
It can save lives by finding cancers at an early stage, or even preventing them. You can find out more about the cancer screening services available in Guernsey by clicking on the links below.
Breast Screening
- Breast screening can detect abnormalities in the breast tissue that are too small for you or your doctor to see or feel. It uses test called a mammogram which is an x-ray examination of the breast that takes only a few minutes and involves a very low dose of radiation.
- Breast screening is offered to all women aged 50-75 who are invited every 2 years free of charge.
- If you're over 75, you can still be screened for free every two years. Just get in touch with the breast screening unit to make an appointment.
- If you are worried about breast cancer symptoms, such as a lump or area of thickened tissue in a breast, don't wait to be offered screening - see your GP straightaway.
- For an overview of breast cancer screening, information on why and when it is offered, the screening process and receiving your results, please read our leaflets in the download section.
Bowel Screening
- Bowel screening aims to detect polyps or bowel cancer at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be effective.
- Screening for bowel cancer involves a simple, at-home screening test called FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) which detects traces of blood in stool samples which can a be sign of abnormalities.
- The FIT test is offered free to all residents in the Bailiwick of Guernsey aged between 60 and 70 years old. People aged over 70 can request screening by contacting the bowel screening programme bowelcancerscreening@gov.gg
- If you are worried about bowel cancer symptoms, such as a persistent change in bowel habit, blood in the stools, abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating - contact your GP immediately.
- For an overview of bowel cancer screening, information on why and when it is offered, the screening process and receiving your results, please read our leaflets in the download section.
Cervical Screening
- Free cervical screening has been introduced in Guernsey and Alderney for women aged between 25 and 65 since January 2019.
- Cervical screening programme is for all women aged 25-49 every three years, and aged 50-65 every five years. The cervical screening test is highly effective as it detects the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the cervix and ensures early abnormalities or early signs of cervical cancer are identified and treated earlier.
- The aim of the Cervical Screening Programme is to reduce the number of women who develop cervical cancer and the number of women who die from the condition. Cervical screening is not a test for cancer.
- Women automatically receive a letter in the post and can make an appointment at the GP practice, Choices or the Orchard Centre.
- Signs to look out for include any abnormal bleeding or unpleasant discharge or pain after sex. If you notice anything unusual, make an appointment to see your GP and get it checked out.
- For an overview of cervical cancer screening, information on why and when it is offered, what happens when you go for cervical screening and receiving your results, please read our leaflet in the download section.
Cancer prevention
- Eating a healthy diet containing wholegrains like wholegrain bread and cereals, beans, pulses, and plenty of fruit and vegetables - limit foods high in sugar or fat and avoid sugary drinks.
- Avoiding processed meat (like bacon and ham) and limit red meat.
- Getting to, and keeping a healthy weight
- Being more active in everyday life, this includes walking more and sitting less.
- Cutting down on alcohol
- Stopping smoking
- Taking part in screening when invited
- Knowing what normal for you
- Speaking to your GP if you notice anything unusual
