Devon’s cancer screening programmes:
Screening can help find cancers early, and improve chances of survival
Early diagnosis of cancer can mean less treatment
Screening may help prevent cancer from developing by finding cell changes
Getting screened is a personal choice and you should consult your GP with any queries. The links below provide up to date information for you to check out.
Macmillan: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/worried-about-cancer/screening
NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-screening/
BREAST CANCER SCREENING
Who’s eligible?
People between 50 and 70 and registered as female with your GP, will be automatically invited
People aged 71 and over can self-refer through their GP
Non-binary and transgender people can speak to their GP about screening
What happens at the screening?
Breast cancer screening uses a low-dose x-ray called a mammogram
This is usually done by 1 or 2 female mammographers
Where can screening take place?
North and East Devon – Matford Business Park Breast Screening Unit, Matford Business Centre, Exeter
Torbay and South Devon – Breast Care Unit, Torbay Hospital, Torquay
Plymouth and West Devon – Coordinated through the Primrose Breast Screening Unit
Mobile Unit Locations open 8.45am-4.25 on weekdays:
Tavistock
Torquay
Kingsbridge
Newton Abbot
Ivybridge
Bovey Tracey
Paignton
Buckfastleigh
Dartmouth
Teignmouth
Dawlish
Totnes
BOWEL CANCER SCREENING
Who’s eligible?
Bowel cancer screening is offered to everyone aged 54-74
This will soon be changing to 50-74
It is offered every 2 years
What happens at the screening?
Eligible people will be sent a home test kit every 2 years
You take a sample of your poo and send it back through the post
If further investigation is needed, you will be offered a follow-up appointment
CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING
Who’s eligible?
Screening is offered to all women and people with a cervix aged 25-64
It is offered every 3 years
What happens at the screening?
You will be sent an invitation through the post
Your nurse will take a small sample of cells from your cervix
They will explain what’s happening during the test and answer any questions
You can bring someone for support
Where can screening take place?
Your local GP surgery
Drop in cervical screening clinics at the Centre for Women’s Health, Royal Devon University Hospital (RDUH), Exeter, or RDUH Barnstaple
Eastern services can provide Women’s Health Counsellors to provide emotional support for women accessing the service