Five Cancer Screenings That Could Save Your Life—And What to Expect

Catching cancer early dramatically improves survival rates and treatment outcomes. In fact, 50% of people diagnosed with cancer survive longer than 10 years, and between 30% and 50% of all cancer cases are preventable through early detection and lifestyle changes. Yet many people feel uncertain about which screenings they need and what the process actually involves. Understanding the five main cancer screenings available can help you take control of your health and catch problems before they become serious.

Which Five Cancers Should You Screen For?

The five most common cancers with established screening programs are bowel, cervical, prostate, skin, and breast cancer. Each has different age recommendations and screening methods tailored to catch the disease at its earliest, most treatable stages. Knowing your risk factors—including age, genetics, and lifestyle habits—can help you decide when to start screening and how often you need testing.

• Bowel Cancer: Adults in England aged 50 to 74 are invited to participate in NHS screening every two years using a faecal immunochemical test (FIT), an at-home stool sample test that detects tiny amounts of blood that may indicate cancer. Around 1 in 17 UK males and 1 in 20 UK females will be diagnosed with bowel cancer in their lifetime, and approximately 54% of cases are preventable.
• Cervical Cancer: Women aged 25 to 64 are offered screening every five years through a smear test, which involves taking a sample of cells from the neck of the womb using a small brush. The cells are tested for human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted via sexual contact and is linked to almost all cases of cervical cancer. Around 2,700 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in England every year, yet the screening has been found to save thousands of lives through early detection.
• Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in England, accounting for 29% of male cancer claims among Vitality members aged 40 and over. Currently, there is no national screening program in the UK, but men aged 45 to 61 with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are offered a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test every two years. Men over 50 can request a PSA test from their GP, which involves a simple blood sample.
• Skin Cancer: Skin cancer claims rose by almost 25% between 2019 and 2024, with melanoma being the second highest cancer claim for both men and women in 2024. Regular self-checks and mole mapping—where a medical professional photographs your entire body to monitor changes—can help catch skin cancer early.
• Breast Cancer: All women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday are invited for NHS breast screening every three years using either an ultrasound scan or a mammogram, a special type of X-ray designed to detect small lumps before they are noticeable. Early-stage breast cancer is much easier to treat, giving people a significantly higher chance of survival.

Why Is Early Detection So Important?

The difference between catching cancer early and catching it late can be life-changing. Early-stage cancers are far easier to treat and have much better survival rates. For example, with breast cancer, detecting the disease at an early stage gives patients a much higher chance of survival compared to advanced stages. Similarly, cervical cancer screening has been found to save thousands of lives every year due to early detection of the disease.

However, many people are not taking advantage of available screening. More than 30% of women are not coming forward for cervical cancer screening when invited, according to NHS England, which launched a fresh appeal to those women in 2024. This gap in screening uptake means many cases go undetected until they reach more advanced stages.

What Warning Signs Should You Watch For Between Screenings?

While regular screening is important, staying aware of potential warning signs between appointments is equally critical. "These cells are then tested for Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted via sexual contact and is linked to almost all cases of cervical cancer," explains Dr. Yvonne Umebuani Beresford, Commercial Medical Director at Vitality. If you experience any concerning symptoms, contact your GP immediately rather than waiting for your next scheduled screening.

For bowel cancer specifically, warning signs include unintentional weight loss, excessive tiredness, and blood in your stools. For breast cancer, any new lumps, dimpling, or changes in the breast should be evaluated. For skin cancer, watch for new or existing spots, lumps, or moles that change in size, shape, or color. Prostate cancer may cause urinary symptoms or difficulty with sexual function, though many men have no symptoms at all.

The key takeaway is that screening is not a one-time event but an ongoing part of health maintenance. By understanding what each screening involves and staying alert to warning signs, you can take an active role in protecting your health and catching cancer at its most treatable stage.