Looking out for symptoms is really important. But you can't always see or feel cancer – and this is where screening comes in.

Bowel cancer screening

The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme started in July 2006 and was running across the whole country by 2010.

If you're aged 60-69 and registered with a GP, you'll automatically be sent a free bowel cancer screening kit in the post. This can detect early signs of the disease, so be sure to use it and send it back.

If you're aged 70 or over, you can get a kit by calling freephone 0800 707 60 60. For more information go to the NHS Cancer Screening website.

Breast cancer screening

The NHS Breast Screening Programme provides free breast screening, every three years, for all women in the UK aged 50-70. Around 1.5 million women are screened in the UK each year.

You should take up screening because:

• Older women are more likely to get breast cancer, particularly after the menopause.
• If you're overweight, drink alcohol or take hormone replacement therapy, this can increase your risk of getting breast cancer.
• The earlier breast cancer is found, the better your chances of beating it. Breast screening can find a cancer very early.

You'll automatically receive a letter inviting you to attend screening. If you don't receive an invitation, or if you'd like more information, contact your GP surgery or visit the NHS Cancer Screening website.