Wellbeing
Cancer screening in Devon – who’s eligible and what’s involved?
We're pleased to be able to share information about breast, bowel and cervical cancer screening below. Screening can help find cancers early, and improve chances of survival Early diagnosis of cancer can mean less treatment Screening may help prevent cancer from developing by finding cell changes
Published: 22 March 2025
Getting screened is a personal choice and you should consult your GP with any queries. The links below provide up to date information for you to check out.
Macmillan: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/worried-about-cancer/screening
NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-screening/
Breast cancer screening
Who’s eligible?
- People between 50 and 70 and registered as female with your GP, will be automatically invited
- People aged 71 and over can self-refer through their GP
- Non-binary and transgender people can speak to their GP about screening
What happens at the screening?
- Breast cancer screening uses a low-dose x-ray called a mammogram
- This is usually done by 1 or 2 female mammographers
Where can screening take place?
- North and East Devon – Matford Business Park Breast Screening Unit, Matford Business Centre, Exeter
- Torbay and South Devon – Breast Care Unit, Torbay Hospital, Torquay
- Plymouth and West Devon – Coordinated through the Primrose Breast Screening Unit
- Mobile Unit Locations open 8.45am-4.25 on weekdays:
- Tavistock
- Torquay
- Kingsbridge
- Newton Abbot
- Ivybridge
- Bovey Tracey
- Paignton
- Buckfastleigh
- Dartmouth
- Teignmouth
- Dawlish
- Totnes
Bowel cancer screening
Who’s eligible?
- Bowel cancer screening is offered to everyone aged 54-74
- This will soon be changing to 50-74
- It is offered every 2 years
What happens at the screening?
- Eligible people will be sent a home test kit every 2 years
- You take a sample of your poo and send it back through the post
- If further investigation is needed, you will be offered a follow-up appointment
Who’s eligible?
Cervical cancer screening
Who’s eligible?
- Screening is offered to all women and people with a cervix aged 25-64
- It is offered every 3 years
What happens at the screening?
- You will be sent an invitation through the post
- Your nurse will take a small sample of cells from your cervix
- They will explain what’s happening during the test and answer any questions
- You can bring someone for support
Where can screening take place?
- Your local GP surgery
- Drop in cervical screening clinics at the Centre for Women’s Health, Royal Devon University Hospital (RDUH), Exeter, or RDUH Barnstaple
- Eastern services can provide Women’s Health Counsellors to provide emotional support for women accessing the service