5 types of cancer screening we should all be aware of

With one in two likely to get cancer, according to Cancer Research, understandably it’s a concern for many of us.

Anyone who’s been through a cancer diagnosis – or knows someone who has – will be aware of the life-changing impact it can have on a person and on those around them.

The good news, however, is that we’re more likely to survive cancer than ever before.

Stats show that 50% of people survive cancer for longer than 10 years and between 30% and 50% of cancer are preventable.

One of the ways to help improve our chances of a living healthier for longer is to detect cancer early and start treatment as soon as possible.

We understand that screening can feel daunting, particularly if you’re unsure of what to expect.

To help demystify the process, we explore the five types of cancer screening that you should be aware of.

1. Bowel cancer screening

Cancer Research UK revealed that 1 in 17 UK males and 1 in 20 UK females will be diagnosed with bowel cancer in their lifetime, and of all cases 54% are preventable.

A person’s risk of developing cancer depends on many facets of life, including age, genetics, and exposure to risk factors.

For example, around 3 in 10 cases of bowel cancer among Brits is down to not eating enough fibre.

Adults in England between the ages of 50 and 74 are invited to take part in the NHS’s bowel cancer screening programme every two years through an at-home test kit.

The ages in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland vary slightly.

Known as a faecal immunochemical test (FIT), it involves sending off a stool sample to test the presence of any tiny amounts of blood that may be due to cancer, explains Vitality’s Commercial Medical Director, Dr Yvonne Umebuani Beresford.

If you are between screenings, it’s important to stay aware of any potential warning signs of cancer and contact your GP if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Unintentional weight loss
• Excessive tiredness
• Blood in your stools

2. Cervical cancer screening

Data shows that around 2,700 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in England every year.

And sadly, approximately 690 lose their life to the disease.

Cervical cancer screening, also known as a smear test, is available to women aged 25 to 64 every five years – and it has been found to save thousands of lives every year, due to early detection of the disease.

However, more than 30% of women are not coming forward for their screening when invited to do so, according to NHS England, which launched a fresh appeal to those women in 2024.

The test, explains Umebuani Beresford, “involves taking a sample of cells from the neck of the womb using a small brush.”

She adds: “These cells are then tested for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is transmitted via sexual contact and is linked to almost all cases of cervical cancer.

“If the virus is present, the cells will then be tested for any cancerous changes and you may be invited for further tests depending on these results.”

Find out everything you need to know about your next smear test here: 8 essential things you should know about smear tests | Magazine | Vitality

Plus, if you want to know more about health checks for women, read our guide on Key Health Checks and Tests to consider.

3. Prostate cancer screening

In 2024, prostate cancer was the most common cancer claim made by male Vitality members (29%) aged 40 and over. It is also the most common cancer in England.

That being said, there is currently no national screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK; something many institutes and celebrities diagnosed with the disease have campaigned to change, including the decorated track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, who has incurable prostate cancer.

However, in November 2025, the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) rejected a recommendation for routine prostate cancer checks.

Instead, a prostate-specific antigen test – known as a PSA test – is only offered to men aged 45 to 61 with a BRCA1 and BRCA 2 gene mutation every two years.

If you are worried about prostate cancer and are over the age of 50, you can ask your GP for a PSA test, which involves taking a small blood sample, even if you do not have symptoms.

Meanwhile, male Vitality members with a qualifying plan are also eligible for a PSA test if they are aged 40 and over through our partner Bluecrest.

It’s also worth noting that rectal exams are no longer recommended when diagnosing prostate cancer.

Instead, men should be referred for an MRI scan, according to leading charity Prostate Cancer UK.

If you want to know more about health checks for men, read our guide on Key Health Checks and Tests and see how you can make changes to your health today.

4. Skin cancer screening

Between 2019 and 2024, Vitality saw claims for skin cancer rise by almost 25%*.

Meanwhile, melanoma – a serious case of skin cancer – was the second highest cancer claim made by both men and women in 2024 at 27% and 22%, respectively.

So, it’s really important to check your skin regularly and be aware of any new or existing spots, lumps or moles.

One way to stay on top of any changes to your moles is to take part in mole mapping.

The process, which can be done on the NHS, is done by a medical professional who takes photos of the entire body.

These can then be monitored by yourself for any changes or by a healthcare professional.

VitalityHealth members can also access our Skin Analytics service if you are worried about a suspicious looking mole on your skin.

The analysis kit is sent by post, containing a smart phone and dermoscopic (magnifying) lens to take high-resolution photos of the skin.

If further investigation is needed, a Skin Analysis GP will contact you to advise on next steps.

If you’re worried about a skin condition, seek advice from a GP or if you have Vitality health insurance you can book a virtual appointment through the Vitality GP app.

5. Breast cancer screening

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK.

99% of cases are in women, with 80% being diagnosed over the age of 50, but men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Detecting breast cancer – depending on your age range – will be determined by an ultrasound scan or a mammogram, which is a special type of X-ray that is designed to detect small lumps in the breast before they are noticeable,” explains Umebuani Beresford.

All women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday are invited for NHS breast screening every three years.

As with many other cancers, early-stage breast cancer is much easier to treat, giving people a much higher chance of survival.

However, that goes down depending on the severity of the cancer.

This means early detection is incredibly important.

Find out out Vitality helped member, Nicky, through her diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer.

How to check for breast cancer | Magazine | Vitality

*Claims per 1,000 lives

Related: What’s increasing your risk of cancer?