Simple blood test that detects dozens of types of cancer in those with NO symptoms set for NHS rollout

NHS programmes can help diagnose the disease, or your risk of it, and improve the likelihood of successful treatment.

There are three national screening programmes in England: cervical screening, breast screening and bowel screening.

"If you are eligible, please make every effort to have your screening test as they can detect a problem early, before you have any symptoms. ," the NHS says.

"Finding out about a problem early can mean that treatment is more effective."

Cervical screening

This is offered in England to people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 and is routinely carried out every three years up to the age of 49, and every five from 50 to 64.

Depending on the result, people may be recalled earlier.

During a cervical screening, samples are tested for high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes nearly all cervical cancers.

Those that test positive are then analysed further.

Breast screening

Breast screenings, which involve an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they are too small to see or feel, are usually offered to women aged 50 to 71 in England.

But the NHS is trialling them for women under 50 if they have a high risk of developing breast cancer.

Bowel screening

This test detects whether patients are showing any early signs of cancer.

It is available to everyone aged 50 to 74, with at-home kits automatically sent out every two years, so make sure your GP has your correct address.

The test involves providing a small poo sample to be checked for tiny amounts of blood, which could be caused by cancer.

If you're 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every two years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.

Source: NHS