The aim of the Wales abdominal aortic aneurysm screening programme is to reduce the number of ruptured AAA and deaths in Wales.
At 65 years old, men who live in Wales and who are registered with a GP practice are invited to take part in the screening programme involving a simple and painless ultrasound scan to measure the abdominal aorta.
Men are six times more likely to have an AAA than women and it becomes increasingly common with age.
Read more about AAA Screening.
Bowel Screening Wales is responsible for the NHS bowel screening programme in Wales.
Bowel screening aims to find cancer at an early stage when treatment is likely to be more effective. Early detection is key. At least 9 out of 10 people will survive bowel cancer if it’s found and treated early. The test kit is designed to measure how much blood is in your poo and can be completed at home.
Once you have sent your test your results will be back with you within two weeks.
Men and women aged between 58 and 74, and who are living in Wales are invited to take the test every two years.
Read more about Bowel Screening Wales.
If you have taken part in the Bowel Screening Wales screening programme and would like to tell them about your experience, please take part in their Bowel Screening Survey.
Breast screening looks for breast cancer before symptoms show. Finding breast cancer early gives you the best chance of successful treatment and survival.
Breast screening involves taking x-rays of the breast, which are called mammograms. At least two x-rays of each breast are taken.
Breast screening tests are offered every three years, to women aged from 50 up to their 70th birthday, and who are registered with a doctor. You may not receive your first invitation when you are aged 50. Women are invited based on when their doctor’s surgery is being screened. You will be invited for screening before your 53rd birthday.
People who are transgender or non-binary may need to have breast screening. Find out more - breast screening information for people who are Transgender or Non-Binary.
Breast x-rays are carried out by female staff. They will explain what will happen. You will be asked to change in the x-ray room or a private changing cubicle. You will need to remove your bra and if in a changing cubicle keep your top clothing on until you enter the x-ray room. It may be easier to wear a skirt or trousers instead of a dress.
When you are called for your breast x-ray, the member of staff taking the tests will place your breast onto the x-ray machine. A plastic plate will be lowered to flatten the breast. This is very important as it helps to keep your breast still and get clear x-rays. At least two x-rays of each breast will be taken.
The test will only take a few minutes. Everyone is different; some people may find the test uncomfortable or painful. This usually passes quickly. Tell the member of staff taking the test if you want the test to stop at any time.
If you have breast implants or injectable fillers, you will be given an information leaflet to read as these can make screening more difficult.
Your results letter will be sent out in the post within about 3 weeks. A copy will also be sent to your doctor.
If your x-ray shows no further tests are needed, you will be invited to come for screening again in three years’ time.
Some people will be asked to have another breast x-ray before a result can be given. This is because the images were not clear.
If your x-ray shows a possible change in your breast, you will be offered an assessment appointment in one of the screening centres. You will be seen by a specialist and offered further tests.
What is a Cervical screening?
Cervical Screening Wales is responsible for the NHS cervical screening programme in Wales. Cervical screening can prevent cervical cancer from developing, or pick it up at an early stage. The cervical screening test will look for high-risk types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cell changes on the cervix. Finding cell changes can prevent cervical cancer from developing.
How often will I be invited?
Individuals aged 25-64 are invited every five years.
Are there any exceptions?
What if I notice changes before my next cervical screening test is due?
Please contact us to speak to a GP if you have any symptoms, such as:
- unusual vaginal discharge
- bleeding after sex, between periods or after the menopause
The Diabetic Eye Screening Wales service checks for eye problems caused by having diabetes.
Eye screening looks for damage to the back of the eye (diabetic retinopathy) which can lead to permanent sight loss.
Making changes to your diabetes management, or having specialist treatment can slow or reverse changes caused by diabetic retinopathy.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, and are aged 12 or over, you will be invited to attend a screening appointment. We normally invite you every year, by sending you a letter to your home address.
Read more about Diabetic Eye Screening.
Diabetic eye screening has changed for people who are at low risk of diabetic eye disease.
People who are at a low risk of diabetic eye disease will now be invited for screening every two years instead of every year.
More information is available via the link above.