Health checks and screening

Men aged 65 are invited to attend for a free ultrasound scan to check for dangerous swelling (aneurysm) of the aorta.

closeup asian old man is in clinic lying on treatment bed - the young male doctor use abdominal ultrasound to check his health

Having an NHS Health check or screening are important ways to look after your health. They can help spot health problems early, often before you notice any symptoms.

Finding problems early means you can take steps to reduce your risk, manage conditions more effectively, or get the right support or treatment sooner.

The NHS offers a range of free health checks and screening programmes for adults in England. These are offered at different ages and are designed to help you stay well and make informed choices about your health.

You can check which screening programmes you’re eligible for using the screening checker on the Stand up to Cancer website.

The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of your overall health. It is available to adults aged 40 to 74 who haven’t been diagnosed with a pre‑existing health condition such as stroke, heart failure or atrial fibrillation.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, contact your GP or find out more below.

If you’re aged over 74, you can request an annual health check at your GP practice.

The NHS Health Check is designed to help spot the early signs of:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Kidney disease
  • Type 2 diabetes

If you’re aged 65 or over, you’ll also be given information about dementia.

Getting this check means you’ll get expert advice on how to stay healthy so you can reduce your future risks.

What happens at the NHS Health Check?

An NHS Health Check takes around 20 to 30 minutes and is carried out by a health professional from your GP practice, often a nurse or healthcare assistant.

They will:

  • Ask about your lifestyle and family history
  • Record your age, sex and ethnicity
  • Check your height and weight
  • Measure your blood pressure
  • Carry out a blood test (either before or during the appointment)

You’ll be given a cardiovascular risk score, showing your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes or kidney disease over the next 10 years.

Your risk may be described as low, moderate or high. While some factors (like age and family history) can’t be changed, others such as smoking, cholesterol and blood pressure can be improved with support.

Why should I get an NHS Health Check?

Your NHS Health Check can:

  • Identify problems before symptoms appear
  • Help prevent future illness
  • Provide personalised advice on:
    • Healthy eating
    • Physical activity
    • Weight management
    • Stopping smoking

If needed, you may also be offered medication to help lower blood pressure or cholesterol.

You’ll usually be invited for a repeat check every five years.

Breast screening uses X‑rays, called mammograms, to look for cancers that are too small to see or feel.

It is offered to people registered as female with a GP, aged 50 to 71, and you will usually be invited every three years.

More information is on the NHS website.

Bowel cancer screening is a simple test done at home that checks for signs of bowel cancer before symptoms start.

It is offered to everyone aged 50 to 74.

More information on the NHS website.

Cervical screening (previously called a smear test) checks the health of the cervix and helps prevent cervical cancer.

It is offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64, every five years.

More information is on the NHS website.

AAA screening is offered to men (or people assigned male at birth) during the year they turn 65.

An ultrasound scan checks for swelling in the main blood vessel in the tummy (the aorta). Screening is usually only needed once, unless an aneurysm is found.

Finding an aneurysm early allows it to be monitored or treated, reducing the risk of rupture, which can be life‑threatening.

More information is on the NHS website.

Rob’s story

“For me, it was lifesaving.”
Liverpool man urges others to go for AAA screening when invited at 65.

Read Rob’s story.

NHS lung health checks are available to residents aged 55-74 years. You need to be registered with your GP practice and your records detail that you are either a smoker or someone who previously smoked.  You will be sent an invitation via text message to book your appointment.

The aim of the screening is to identify early stages of lung cancer which often has no signs or symptoms.  Lung screening can provide early diagnosis and potentially save a life.

If you think you are eligible, check with your GP practice to ensure your records are up to date.

You can find out more information Lung Cancer Screening :: Cheshire & Merseyside Cancer Alliance