Screening

Screening is a process of identifying apparently healthy people who may be at increased risk of a disease or condition. 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.

The NHS runs an extensive national screening programme, which covers five broad categories of health:

Antenatal:

• Downs syndrome
• Physical anomalies
• Sickle cell anaemia
• Infectious diseases

Cancer:

• Breast screening
• Cervical screening
• Bowel screening

Vascular Risk:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Vascular risk
• Diabetic retinopathy

Sexually Transmitted Diseases:

• Chlamydia screening

Child Health:

• Newborn and Infant Physical examination
• Newborn blood spot
• Newborn hearing screening

 
Whilst screening has the potential to save lives, or improve quality of life through early diagnosis of serious conditions, it is not a fool-proof process. Screening can reduce the risk of developing a condition or its complications, but it cannot offer a guarantee of protection. Screenings should, therefore, be considered as risk reduction. For more information about the NHS screening programmes please refer to the NHS screening portal.