10 Most Common Screening Tests

10 Most Common Screening Tests

Screening involves testing healthy individuals to detect diseases early or prevent them entirely. Early detection often means more effective, less invasive treatment. Below are the 10 most critical screening tests you should know.

1. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening

An AAA is a dangerous bulge in the aorta, the body’s main artery. If it bursts, it is often fatal.

• The Test: A quick, painless ultrasound of the abdomen.

• Who & When: Offered to men in their 65th year. Men over 65 who have never been screened can self-refer.

• More Info: NHS AAA Screening Programme

2. Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Check

High blood pressure is the “silent killer,” leading to strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disease.

• The Test: A pressure cuff on the upper arm. Normal is 130/80 or below.

• Frequency: Adults over 40 should have this checked at least every 5 years.

• More Info: Blood Pressure UK: High Blood Pressure

3. Bowel Cancer Screening (FIT Test)

Bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the UK, but it is highly treatable if caught early.

• The Test: The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit is sent to your home to collect a small stool sample.

• Who & When: Offered every 2 years to people aged 60 to 74 (currently being lowered to age 50).

• More Info: NHS Bowel Cancer Screening

4. Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram)

Mammograms can find cancers when they are too small to see or feel.

• The Test: An X-ray of the breast called a mammogram.

• Who & When: Women aged 50 to 71 are invited every 3 years.

• More Info: Breast Cancer Now: Breast Screening

5. Cervical Cancer Screening (Smear Test)

This test prevents cancer by finding “pre-cancerous” cells caused by the HPV virus.

• The Test: A nurse uses a small brush to take a sample of cells from the cervix.

• Frequency: Every 3 years for ages 25–49; every 5 years for ages 50–64.

• More Info: Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust: About Screening

6. Cholesterol Blood Test

High cholesterol clogs arteries, leading to heart disease and stroke.

• The Test: A simple blood test or a finger-prick test.

• Management: If levels are high, doctors may suggest lifestyle changes or statins.

• More Info: Heart UK: Cholesterol Testing

7. Diabetic Eye Screening

High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina (Diabetic Retinopathy), leading to blindness.

• The Test: Digital photos are taken of the back of the eye using drops to widen the pupils.

• Who: Everyone with diabetes aged 12 or over should be screened annually.

• More Info: Diabetes UK: Eye Screening

8. NHS Health Check

Think of this as a “mid-life MOT” for your body to assess cardiovascular risk.

• The Test: A 20–30 minute check-up looking at BP, BMI, cholesterol, and kidney function.

• Who: Adults aged 40 to 74 without pre-existing conditions.

• More Info: NHS Health Check: What happens

9. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

While there is no national “automatic” screening, men can request a PSA test if they are concerned.

• The Test: A blood test measuring the PSA protein.

• Risk: 1 in 4 Black men will be diagnosed compared to 1 in 8 men overall.

• More Info: Prostate Cancer UK: The PSA Test

10. Skin and Mole Checks

Early detection of Melanoma (the most serious skin cancer) is lifesaving.

• Self-Check: Use the ABCDE method (Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolving) monthly.

• More Info: British Skin Foundation: How to check your moles

Bonus: Diabetes & Prediabetes Screening

If you are in a high-risk group (Black, South Asian, or living with obesity), you should have your HbA1c checked.

More Info: Diabetes UK: Prediabetes

Summary Checklist

• [ ] Age 25+: Cervical screening.

• [ ] Age 40+: NHS Health Check & Blood Pressure.

• [ ] Age 50+: Bowel, Breast, and Prostate (if at risk) awareness.

• [ ] Age 65: AAA screening for men.

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Andrew Stein, Consultant Nephrologist, UHCW Coventry.

Expert Guide Follow-up: Are you currently registered with a GP surgery, and do they have your correct contact details for receiving these screening invitations?