Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Screening looks for early signs of cancer — or changes that could become cancer — in people who feel perfectly well. Found early, many cancers are simpler to treat and more often curable. That is why timing matters.
Across Europe, organised programmes commonly cover breast cancer (mammography), cervical cancer (HPV or smear testing) and colorectal cancer (stool testing or colonoscopy), with lung screening being introduced for people at higher risk in a growing number of countries. Exact ages and intervals differ by country — your national health service or family doctor can tell you what applies to you.
Invitations are based on age and risk, not on symptoms. If you notice a change in your body — a lump, unexplained bleeding, a cough that will not go away — do not wait for a screening invitation: see a doctor about it directly.
Which programmes am I eligible for? When was my last test? What happens if a result is unclear? Screening is a conversation, not just a letter — and asking is how it starts.
This guide is based on public guidance from European cancer institutes and public health authorities, written in plain language.
Common misconceptions about cancer, calmly and clearly corrected.
Food, movement, alcohol, sun and tobacco: what the evidence actually says.
How to tell trustworthy sources from myths and sensational claims.
Words that help, questions to ask your doctor, and supporting someone close.
What cancer is, how it develops, and the words you will hear — in plain language.
