The NHS Breast Screening Programme provides free breast screening (mammograms), every three years, for women in England who are aged 50-70. To receive an automatic invitation, you need to be registered with your local GP surgery, and ensure that they have your current contact details. Women aged over 70 are also entitled to screening every three years, by making their own appointment at their local screening unit.
Self-examination and regular screening
Having regular checks will help detect any potential cancer long before symptoms appear. Therefore, self-examination is really important. In most cases, the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chance of successful treatment. Men should regularly check their testicles for lumps, and women should become breast aware, so that they can notice any changes to what is normal for them.
The NHS screens for some, but not all cancers, in age groups that are considered to be at risk:
Health and safety
Make sure you follow all the relevant the health and safety guidelines if you work around hazardous chemicals, such as gas or radiation - for example, nuclear industry workers, scientists, medical staff or students.
Sunlight
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid over-exposure to the sun. Cover up and use a high factor sunscreen of SPF 15 or above (children and those with fair skin will need to use a sunscreen with a higher protection factor) and avoid going out in the sun between the hours of 11am and 3pm.
This is not to say that you should avoid sunlight all together. Sunlight promotes the production of Vitamin D, which is needed by the body to produce calcium. Also, recent research has shown that Vitamin D can prevent other types of cancer, and cardiovascular diseases (conditions that affect the blood flow), such as strokes.
When spending time in the sun, you should do so in moderation. You do not need to get a suntan to enjoy the benefits of Vitamin D.
Obesity
Obesity is known to be a risk factor for some types of cancer, such as bowel, breast and colon cancer. You should try to maintain a healthy body weight by taking regular exercise in addition to eating a healthy diet. Take a look at our body mass index (BMI) calculator to find out if you are over your 'ideal' weight, and to get tips on how to lose weight safely. See the 'further information' section for more information. If you are overweight and want to lose weight safely, your GP will also be able to provide advice.
Exercise
All available information shows that rates of cancer are a lot lower in people who take regular exercise. Regular exercise will also reduce the risk of other serious conditions such as heart disease and strokes. For most people, thirty minutes of vigorous exercise a day, at least five times a week, is recommended. The exercise should be strenuous enough to leave your heart beating faster, and you should feel slightly out of breath afterwards. Examples of vigorous exercise include going for a brisk walk, or walking up a hill.
Alcohol
Reducing your alcohol intake will help prevent cancer. The recommended safe limit for units of alcohol per day is two for women and three for men (one unit = half a pint of beer, or a small glass of wine). For positive benefits to your health and general well-being, it is best to have a few alcohol-free days each week