In this article, our Clinical Lead and Head of Second Medical Opinion Service, Dr Debs Basu, highlights why proactive health checks and screening is a cornerstone of long-term wellbeing.
Health screening is one of the most effective tools for preventing serious illness and detecting conditions early, when treatment is more likely to succeed and recovery is more likely. By identifying risk factors and early-stage diseases, health checks provide a vital opportunity to take action before symptoms appear.
Several national screening programmes are offered through the NHS in the UK, and they play a key role in reducing mortality from major diseases. According to NHS data, approximately 25,000 cancers are detected yearly through routine screening programmes, highlighting just how impactful these checks can be.
Cervical screening is offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. The test primarily detects high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV); if HPV is present, the sample is then examined for abnormal cell changes. It is not a test for cancer, but it helps identify changes that, if left untreated, could develop into cervical cancer. According to UK data, cervical screening is estimated to prevent around 70% of cervical cancer deaths, and this could increase to over 80% with full uptake.
Breast screening is offered to women aged 50 to 71 every three years. The test, known as a mammogram (a low-dose X-ray of the breast), can detect cancers that are too small to feel. Around 20,000 cancers are identified each year through the NHS Breast Screening Programme, and it is estimated to save approximately 1,300 lives annually.
Bowel cancer screening is offered to people aged 50 to 74 in England. This programme uses a simple home stool test to detect hidden blood, which could be an early sign of bowel cancer. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer, yet screening can reduce the risk of dying from the disease by up to 25% in those who take part.
In addition to these cancer screenings, the NHS Health Check is available to adults aged 40 to 74 every five years. It is a preventative health assessment designed to detect early signs of major conditions such as:
Heart disease
Type 2 diabetes
Kidney disease
Stroke
Dementia
The check includes measuring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, BMI, and a lifestyle questionnaire. These assessments help identify high-risk people and offer tailored advice to reduce those risks. However, uptake is a concern—fewer than 50% of those eligible attend their NHS Health Check, potentially missing a critical window for early intervention.
These screenings and checks are more than just medical appointments—they are opportunities to stay healthier for longer. Many serious health conditions develop silently, showing no symptoms until they’re more advanced. By attending routine checks, you can take control of your health, make informed decisions, and—crucially—prevent illness. They are quick, non-invasive, and free of charge. So when your invitation comes through, please don’t ignore it. A simple check today could save your life.
At Teladoc Health UK, we provide expert guidance, second medical opinions, and proactive health solutions to help you manage your health at every stage of life.
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