FAQ

Cancer screening involves tests used to look for signs that may suggest cancer, sometimes before symptoms develop. Some cancers may not cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages, and screening can help identify concerns earlier, allowing appropriate investigation or treatment where needed.

Screening does not diagnose cancer on its own and is not suitable or necessary for everyone.

Early diagnosis of cancer is associated with better outcomes for many cancer types, and this is why national screening programmes exist. Screening can help identify cancers or areas of concern at an earlier stage, which may allow treatment to begin sooner.

However, screening does not guarantee improved outcomes for every individual and has recognised limitations.

Some cancer screening is recommended for defined age groups through national programmes. Outside of this, individual cancer risk varies.

Factors such as age, family history, lifestyle, and personal medical history all influence risk. Some individuals may benefit from additional or more targeted investigations, while others may not require screening beyond standard recommendations. This is best determined through clinical assessment.

NHS screening programmes offer evidence-based screening to large populations at specific ages. These programmes are designed to balance benefit and risk at a population level.

Private cancer screening can offer more personalised assessment and, in some cases, access to additional investigations based on individual risk factors. Private screening should complement, not replace, NHS care, and participation in national NHS screening programmes is still recommended where eligible.

You should continue to participate in the standard NHS national screening initiatives.

In some cases, yes. Screening aims to identify cancers or potential warning signs before symptoms develop. However, not all cancers can be detected early, and some may develop between screening tests.

Screening cannot prevent cancer and does not guarantee early detection in all cases.

Cancer screening may involve blood tests, imaging scans, or procedures such as endoscopy, depending on the individual and the area of concern.

No single test is appropriate for everyone. Choosing suitable investigations requires clinical judgement to balance potential benefits, risks, and limitations.

Yes. All screening tests have limitations.

False positive results can cause anxiety and may lead to further tests that ultimately show no cancer. False negative results can provide false reassurance. Some tests also carry procedural risks.

Careful selection of tests and consultant-led interpretation of results helps minimise unnecessary harm.

Some cancers release substances or genetic material into the bloodstream that can be detected by certain blood tests. Multi-cancer early detection blood tests are an evolving area of research.

These tests may identify signals that warrant further investigation, but they do not diagnose cancer on their own and vary in accuracy depending on the cancer type and stage.

No. Screening does not replace medical assessment for symptoms.

Anyone with new, persistent, or concerning symptoms should seek medical advice promptly, regardless of screening results.

OncoChecks is consultant-led. All assessments, test selection, and results interpretation are overseen by a senior medical oncologist.

Screening is tailored to individual risk, investigations are chosen carefully based on clinical judgement, and results are reviewed in context, with clear guidance on follow-up or referral where appropriate.