Bexley NHS Cancer Screening Services
Cancer screening services for our residents
We want to make sure that people living across Bexley can access cancer screening services when they need them. Below you will find information about the screening services we offer across the borough.
What is screening?
Screening is a way of identifying apparently healthy people who may have an increased risk of a particular condition. It is offered to people registered with a GP surgery.
The benefits of having a screening test
- Screening can detect a problem early, before you have any symptoms.
- Finding out you have a health problem or an increased chance of a health problem can help people make better informed decisions about their health.
- Finding out about a problem early can mean that treatment is more effective.
- Screening can reduce the chance of developing a condition or its complications.
- Some deaths from abdominal aortic aneurysms, bowel cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and cervical cancer can be prevented.
NHS Cancer Screening Programmes
Cervical screening
Cervical screening is offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 to check the health of cells in the cervix. It is offered every 3 years for those aged 25 to 49, and every 5 years from the ages of 50 to 64.
Bowel cancer screening
Everyone aged 50 to 74 is offered a bowel cancer screening home test kit every 2 years.
If you’re 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every 2 years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060.
Lung Screening
Lung cancer screening – NHS is offered to people aged between 55 and 74 and have ever smoked.
This programme is being rolled out nationally following the successful Targeted Lung Health Check in selective regions. Lung Cancer Awareness Day: Targeted lung health checks in south east London – South East London ICS. It is scheduled for Bexley residents in 2026.
Breast Cancer Screening
Why is this important?
Breast cancer is the commonest cancer in women. About 1 in 7 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths after lung cancer. Screening detects cancer before any symptoms or signs appear. It enables earlier diagnosis, more effective treatment, and ultimately saves lives. People put off going for a screening for all sorts of reasons: a fear of the diagnosis, being unaware of the risk, having a lack of time, as well as other priorities taking over. Always discuss your concerns with your GP.
Who is eligible for Breast Screening?
Anyone registered with a GP as female, between the ages of 50 and up to their 71st Birthday, will be invited every 3 years for their NHS Breast Screening appointment. When women reach 71, they can still have a screening every 3 years, but they won’t automatically be invited. To continue to be screened, they will need to contact their local Breast Screening Hub.
Women should be breast-aware at any age, you can find out more information about how to check your breasts here: How To Check Your Breasts, Pecs or Chest | CoppaFeel!
Patients with breast symptoms need to see their GP and NOT wait for their screening invitation.
Where are the Breast Screening Units?
The 2 Mobile Units for Bexley residents are situated at:
- Memorial Hospital, Shooters Hill, SE18 3RG (this is a mobile van).
- Queen Mary Hospital, Sidcup, DA14 6LT (this is a green striped mobile van).
How to re-arrange/ re-book/ request a new appointment
Breast Screening appointments:
Appointments can be changed to a time, date and place that suits the person by phoning the London Breast Screening Hub to discuss options available in their local area, which may include evening or weekend appointments.
Missed appointments can be rebooked by calling the Hub or online: manage your appointment form
After 71, women may request further 3 yearly screenings by contacting the Hub.
London Breast Screening Hub contact number: 020 3758 2024
Prostate Cancer Checks
- Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. The risk doubles in Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer.
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a chemical secreted by the prostate gland in
men, detectable in a blood test. - PSA level increases with age but a higher than expected level indicates the presence of a prostate problem which includes cancer.
- You can request a PSA test from your GP, if you are concerned and want to get
tested for prostate cancer.
Why is this important?
Prostate cancer is the commonest cancer in men. It affects 1 in 8 White men but 1 in 4 Black men in the UK during their lifetime. It is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men after lung cancer.
There are no symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer.
Earlier diagnosis enables more effective treatment, and ultimately saves lives. People put off requesting a PSA for all sorts of reasons: a fear of the diagnosis, being unaware of the risk, having a lack of time, as well as other priorities taking over. Always discuss your concerns with your GP.
Who should request a PSA test?
- Black men over the age of 40.
- White men aged between 50-79.
- Men aged over 40 with a close relative (father or brother) with prostate cancer.
- Men presenting with symptoms related, but not exclusively, to the prostate, e.g. urinary symptoms,
erectile dysfunction, bone pain, and weight loss.
Where can I get the PSA test?
- Your first point of contact should be your GP if you have any concerns.
- You can find out more about PSA tests here: PSA test – NHS.
- You can here Joe’s story of his own prostate cancer diagnosis here: What is the PSA blood test?
Start Well, Live Well, Age Well
- 40% of cancers are preventable.
- Lifestyle modifications can help to reduce the risk of cancer, as well as other chronic
diseases. These include maintaining a healthy weight. - Increasing physical activity, eating fruit and vegetables, less consumption of alcohol and tobacco all help to reduce the risk of cancer.
- You can find out more about how to stop smoking here: NHS stop smoking services help you quit – NHS
- Ways to change your diet and get your five a day can be found here: 20 easy ways to get your 5-a-day – Heart Matters magazine – BHF
- Find out what support we offer to South East London residents through the SEL Cancer Alliance: Home :: South East London Cancer Alliance
