Screening
Screening is the process of identifying people who appear healthy but may have an increased chance of developing a disease or condition.
In Scotland, national screening programmes are available for:
· Diabetic Retinopathy (age 12+ years)
· Cervical Cancer (aged 25-64 years)
· Breast Cancer (aged 50-70 years)
· Bowel Cancer (aged 50-74 years)
· Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (aged 65 years)
Pregnancy and newborn screening are also offered.
People eligible for screening are sent invitations to the address linked to their CHI number.
It is important that this information is kept current to ensure that invitations are not missed.
Self Referral for Screening
Breast screening – patients who are aged 71-74 years old, or have previously had breast cancer and have been discharged from yearly follow up mammograms, can self-refer for a breast screening appointment by contacting the screening centre.
Bowel screening – patients who are 75 or over, can still take a bowel screening test every 2 years by requesting a new test kit each time from the Scottish Bowel Screening Centre.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening – patients over 65 who have never been for AAA screening, can arrange an appointment by phoning the screening centre.
Screening Centre Contact Information
If you have a question about any of the screening programmes, contact the relevant screening centre:
· Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening:
Borders/Lothian (0131 242 3606)
· Bowel Screening:
Scottish Bowel Screening Centre (0800 0121 833)
· Breast screening:
South East Breast Screening Centre (0131 537 7400)
· Cervical Screening:
Contact GP practice
· Diabetic Eye Screening:
Lothian (0131 536 4145)
Useful Resources
NHS Inform provides comprehensive information on all the screening programmes.
The Screening and Early Detection Team (Public Health and Health Policy) has developed an Easy Read website with information on health screening.
