Screening Information

Men aged 65 (one off) invitations sent from AAA Screening Programme

Men & Women aged 60-74, invitation every 2 years from Bowel Screening Service 

Hints and Tips on Bowel Screening/Symptoms 

1. To make the test as easy as possible, use a container to catch the sample. 

2. If you are unable to carry out the test yourself, then ask someone to help you or contact your GP practice for advice. 

3. Keep the FIT kit and a container in your bathroom, so it’s available when you want to carry out the test. 

4. Early symptoms to be aware of for Bowel cancer may include:

• Bleeding from your bottom or blood in your stools (poo), which occurs for no obvious reason. Occasionally check for blood in your stool before flushing the toilet.
• A change in bowel habit, which usually means going more often with looser stools
• Lower abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort that is going on for some time
• Losing weight that is unexpected 

5. Note – Bowel cancer does not only affect people over 60 (the current lower age limit for screening in England). If you have a friend or family member under the screening age, showing any of the symptoms, they should see their GP as soon as possible. 

6. If you are over 74, the upper age for bowel screening, you can opt back into the bowel screening programme by calling 0800 707 60 60

Women aged 50-71, every 3years invitations sent from Breast Screening Service  

Hints and Tips around Breast Screening 

• During the test you will be asked to remove your clothing above the waist, therefore you may feel more comfortable if you wear a cardigan or similar top.
• Before attending your appointment, make sure your breasts and under your arms are clean.
• Do not wear deodorant.
• If you would like to take someone with you or need a longer appointment, contact the Barnsley Hospital Breast Cancer Screening hub.
• If you are aged over 50 and not had a mammogram in the last 3 years, contact the Barnsley Hospital Breast Cancer Screening hub.
• If you have implants, contact the Barnsley Hospital Breast Cancer Screening hub before attending for your appointment to let them know.
• If you are over 70, the upper age for breast screening, you can opt back into breast screening by contacting the Barnsley Hospital Breast Cancer Screening hub.
• If it is more convenient you, you can arrange to have your screening at another breast screening unit, i.e., at Rotherham, Doncaster or Sheffield.
• If your appointment time is inconvenient, contact the Barnsley Hospital Breast Cancer Screening hub to rearrange. Don’t put it off.
• For further information or to discuss any questions, concerns or worries you may have about the screening test, please contact the Barnsley Hospital Breast Cancer Screening hub on 01226 432100

Women / people with a cervix aged 25-49 invitations every 3years and aged 50-64 every 5 years from Cervical Screening Programme 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Smear Test /Cervical Cancer Symptoms 

Q1. What are the general signs and symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

 A1. In most case’s vaginal bleeding is the first noticeable symptom of cervical cancer. Vaginal bleeding is very common and doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. Symptoms to watch out for include:

• Bleeding after sex
• Bleeding outside of your normal periods
• New bleeding after the menopause
• Pain and discomfort during sex

Q2. What is available for people who may be feeling anxious or nervous about the smear screening process?

 A2. You don‘t need to attend your appointment on your own. If you prefer you can take a family member, a friend or a carer with you. Longer appointments can be requested, when making a screening appointment. Please note this should be done when arranging your appointment, as it is highly unlikely this can happen on the day.

Q3. Is the smear test screening process painful?

 A3. Some people will experience a level of uneasiness or discomfort. However, it is only short (a matter of a few minutes during the test) and the screening nurse will do her best to make your smear test as comfortable as possible.

Q4. I find the thought of attending a screening appointment embarrassing.

 A4. The screening nurse is a trained professional and very used to putting people at their ease. She will do her best to reassure you and make your smear test as comfortable as possible. The test itself takes only a few minutes and your privacy will be respected throughout. As you will be asked to remove your underwear during the test, you may feel more comfortable if you wear a skirt.

Q5. What if I can’t attend due to work commitments?

 A5. Just like with other GP appointments, early or late appointment times can be requested when arranging your screening. If possible, check if your employer allows staff time off to attend screening appointments, this can be found out by looking at company polices or talking with your manager. If you are struggling to arrange an appointment, contact your GP practice.  There is also an out of hours service in the Barnsley area that your GP can refer you to.

Men and women aged 55-74 smoker or history of smoking 

Early stages for screening programme but Barnsley patients registered with a GP should have been invited.  Contact GP practice if you think you have missed out