3 NHS Screening Tests Every Older Adult Should Know About

 

As we age, staying on top of our health becomes more important than ever. The NHS offers a range of free screening tests designed to catch potential problems early, often before any symptoms start to appear.

 

In this article, we’ll explore some of the key tests available later in life, when you’ll be invited, and why they’re worth taking up.

 

NHS Health Check

 

This is a free check-up of your overall health offered to people who are aged 40 to 74 and don’t have any pre-existing health conditions like heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, stroke, and many more.

 

A full list of excluded conditions can be found on the NHS website. If you have any of the conditions listed, you should already be having regular check-ups.

 

If you fit the criteria described above, your GP or local council should invite you to an NHS Health Check every 5 years.

 

The test is designed to tell you whether you’re at higher risk of certain health problems such as:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Stroke

 

You’ll also be told how you can reduce your risk of these conditions during the check-up.

 

If you’re over 65, you’ll be given advice on signs of dementia to look out for.

 

What Happens at an NHS Health Check

 

Your health check will usually be carried out by a nurse, but it could also be done by a GP, pharmacist or healthcare assistant.

 

The check lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and usually includes:

 

• Measuring your waist
• Measuring your weight and height
• Taking your blood pressure
• A cholesterol test
• A blood sugar level test (usually finger-prick)
• A blood test (or reviewing one you’ve already had)

 

You’ll also be asked routine questions to help assess your health, including:

 

• Your family’s medical history
• Whether you smoke or drink, and how much
• Your level of physical activity
• Your age, gender and ethnicity

You’ll normally be given your results during the appointment. There will be a lot of information that you’re given and results are often broken down into different components including risk scores. 

The healthcare professional conducting your check should explain it all to you, but if you’re confused about anything, don’t be afraid to ask questions or get clarifications. 

 

 

 

Bowel Cancer Screening

 

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. That’s why screening is offered to everyone aged 50 to 74 every 2 years.

 

What’s Involved?

 

Bowel cancer screening involves an at-home test to check for signs of bowel cancer early, even before any symptoms are present, making it easier to treat. 

The test uses a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) to detect blood in a sample of poo which could be a sign of bowel cancer. 

The test kit will be sent to you in the post, accompanied by some instructions. Once you’ve collected the stool sample and sent it off to the laboratory for testing, you’ll get the results within 2 weeks.

 

What Happens Afterwards?

 

If there are any signs of blood in the sample, you’ll likely be called in for some further tests. Blood in the stool doesn’t necessarily indicate bowel cancer but your healthcare team will want to rule out this possibility. 

Further testing could involve a colonoscopy, which involves using a camera to have a look inside your bowel. 

If you’re aged 75 or over, you can also get the screening test every 2 years but you’ll need to call the bowel screening helpline and ask for the test. 

 

 

Breast Cancer Screening

 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. NHS screening helps detect it early, even before symptoms appear, when it’s easier to treat.

 

You’ll be invited to your first screening between ages 50 and 53, and then every 3 years until age 71.

 

What’s Involved?

 

The test uses X-rays known as mammograms and involves 4 breast X-rays, 2 images for each breast. 

The whole process usually takes around 30 minutes and may be uncomfortable, but shouldn’t feel painful.

 

Some of the things the test looks for are:

 

• Small lumps or thickened tissue
• Changes you may not be able to feel
• Microcalcifications (tiny calcium deposits)

 

What Happens Afterwards?

 

You’ll usually get a results letter within 2 weeks. Your GP also receives a copy.

 

If nothing unusual is found, you’ll be invited again in 3 years. If something needs further investigation, you might be called for:

 

• Further mammograms
• A breast examination
• An ultrasound scan
• A biopsy

 

If you're over 71, you won’t be invited automatically but can still request screening by contacting your local NHS breast screening service.