The shift from treating sickness to preventing illness is central to the government’s 10 Year Health Plan.

Over a third of cancers could be prevented (Cancer Research UK).

Cancer screening helps prevent cancer by finding changes early, before they become harmful.

Cervical screening

The NHS Cervical Screening Programme now uses human papillomavirus (HPV) as the primary test. Almost all cervical cancers are linked to HPV. Screening for high-risk strains means changes can be spotted and monitored early. This could prevent around 600 additional cancers a year.

HPV vaccination

The HPV vaccine is offered to all 12 and 13 year olds in school Year 8. It helps protect against cancers caused by HPV, including:

• cervical cancer
• some mouth and throat cancers
• some cancers of the anal and genital areas
• genital warts

Other people can also get the HPV vaccine, including men aged 45 and under who have sex with men.

The National Cancer Plan commits to offering HPV vaccination in community settings from 2026 for young people who missed it at school.

Bowel cancer screening

The NHS bowel cancer screening programme aims to find bowel cancer before symptoms develop. It can also find and remove polyps in the bowel lining that could become cancer if left untreated.

The NHS is increasing the sensitivity of bowel cancer screening. This will detect more cancers at an early stage and help prevent more cancers from developing.