NHS Sussex urges eligible people in Sussex to take up free cancer screening as part of drive to diagnose cancer earlier and save lives

Screening can identify changes in the body before symptoms appear, helping prevent cancer, or detect it at an earlier stage when it is more treatable.

Increasing awareness and participation in screening is a key part of NHS Sussex’s work to improve cancer outcomes and help people stay well; and a key focus of the Government’s new 10-year plan for cancer which was launched in January.

Targeted lung health checks are already making a significant difference locally. Since launching in Sussex in June 2022, the programme has diagnosed 277 lung cancers, helping people access treatment earlier when it is most effective.

For 71-year-old Ian Needham from Brighton, attending a lung health check led to an early diagnosis and life-saving treatment. After giving up smoking more than two decades ago, Ian attended the check after receiving an invitation. A scan revealed cancer at an early stage, allowing him to receive surgery quickly.

He said: "The idea of cancer felt final. But with this surgery, I had a way forward. If I hadn’t gone, I might not have known for years, and by then it could have been too late."

Following treatment, Ian has returned to cycling, spending time with his family, and planning for the future.

The NHS offers several screening programmes to help detect cancer early, including cervical, breast, and bowel screening, alongside lung health checks for people at higher risk.

Cervical screening is offered to women and people aged 25 to 64 who have a cervix.

The test checks for human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, which can cause cervical cancer. Invitations are usually sent every five years. GP practices can help arrange screening or provide support if someone has questions or has not yet been invited.

Suzanne White, Lead Nurse at The Croft Surgery in Chichester, said: "It’s so important to get people to come through the doors. Even if people are hesitant or concerned, we’re here to put people at ease, because our main objective is to help people take part in screening.

"We can offer adjustments to make people more comfortable. People can bring a family member, or request extra time. We encourage people to speak to their surgery about what support they need, so we can help make the experience as comfortable as possible."

Tanisha Allen from Chichester recently attended cervical screening and is encouraging others to do the same. She said: "My screening went really well, I was made to feel at ease, I felt safe, everything was explained to me.

"It wasn’t rushed, I felt at ease because the practitioner took their time and everything was explained to me.

"It’s not as scary as people might think it is. It’s worth having it done to help keep you safe."

Breast screening is offered to women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday, with invitations usually sent every three years. Across Sussex, more than 109,000 women have attended breast screening out of around 159,000 people who are eligible.

NHS Sussex is encouraging everyone who receives an invitation to attend, as screening can detect cancer early, often before symptoms are noticed.

Bowel cancer screening is offered to people aged 50 to 74, who receive a free home test kit every two years. The test can be completed in private and returned by post. It looks for small amounts of blood in stool, which could be a sign that further checks are needed. People aged 75 or over can request a kit.

Lung health checks are offered to people aged 55 to 74 who currently smoke or have smoked in the past. These checks use a scan to look for early signs of lung cancer and are being rolled out across Sussex in community locations.

This work supports wider improvements in cancer diagnosis across Sussex. Recent data shows that more cancers are being diagnosed at an earlier stage, and most people referred urgently with suspected cancer are receiving a diagnosis or the all clear within 28 days, faster than the national target. The NHS recently published its national cancer plan, which sets out how services will continue to improve early diagnosis and access to care.

Dr Charlotte Canniff, Joint Chief Medical Officer for NHS Surrey Heartlands and NHS Sussex, said: "Screening is one of the most effective ways to detect cancer early, often before symptoms appear, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

"We know that screening is already saving lives across Sussex, including through lung health checks which have helped diagnose cancers earlier.

"We want people across Sussex to understand that these screening programmes are free and available to help protect their health. If someone receives an invitation, it is important that they take up the offer, as it could make a life-saving difference."

People who notice any unusual symptoms or changes to their health should contact their GP practice, even if they are not due for screening.

ENDS