Cancer screening from the learning disability and autism hub

It is about looking out for the early signs of cancer.

The quicker you can spot it, the earlier you can start treatment which can help you get better.

Cancer screening is for people who feel fine and might not see it.

If you notice something different, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

A smear test is also called cervical screening.
Your cervix is inside your body at the top of the vulva, you cannot see it.

The smear test looks for a virus in the cervix called Human papillomavirus (HPV).

For a small number of women this virus can make the cells in the cervix go wrong and cause cancer.

You can find out more about having a smear test by watching the Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance video.

Jodie had her first smear test at the age of 40 by talking to her GP and her learning disability nurse. They made sure she had the right reasonable adjustments.

There is also a video with Makaton signing about smear tests

The NHS have made a video on getting a smear test with the right support for people with a learning disability.

There is an easy read guide about smear tests and Beyond Words have created an easy read guide to smear tests

You can learn about smear tests for people with a learning disability on the Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust website.

Some people may be asked to go for another test after their smear test. This video from Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance tells you more about this.

Breast screening is for women aged from 50 to 70.

The test checks if your breasts are healthy.

The test can find changes inside your breasts that are too small to see or feel.

These small changes can grow and become cancer.

Watch this video from Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance to find out more about breast screening.

There is also a video with makaton signing about breast screening

There is an easy read guide about breast screening and a Beyond Words have created an easy read guide about breast screening and bowel screening.

Macmillan Cancer Support has an easy read booklet about breast care for women.

Some people may be asked to go for another test after breast screening. This video from Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance explains more about this.

There is also a Makaton signed video about this breast cancer recalling.

Your bowel is inside your body.
It connects your stomach (tummy) to your bottom.

The bowel takes away waste your body does not need. This is called poo.

You will get a screening check to do at home when you are around 60.

The test will come in the post with instructions including videos online to help you.

When you have collected your sample you send it back in the post.

Watch this video from Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance to find out more about bowel screening

There is also a video with Makaton signing about bowel screening

There is an easy read guide about bowel cancer screening and a Beyond Words have created an easy read guide about breast screening and bowel screening for people who prefer pictures without words.

Some people may be asked to go for another test after bowel screening. This video from Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance tells you more about this.

There is also a Makaton signed video about coming for Colposcopy treatment.