What is screening?

Screening is offered to people who do not have symptoms. It helps identify those who may have a higher chance of developing a condition or who may benefit from further tests. Taking part in screening is your choice, and you will receive information to help you make an informed decision. 

PHA's role

The Public Health Agency commissions, coordinates and quality assures population screening programmes in Northern Ireland to ensure they are safe, effective and based on the best available evidence.

Why screening programmes are offered?

Screening is not suitable for every condition. Organised screening programmes are only established on the recommendation of the UK National Screening Committee and according to the best available evidence. Any condition being considered as a screening programme must meet a number of stringent criteria before it is recommended by the Committee.

In Northern Ireland the PHA operates the following screening programmes:

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening
  • Antenatal screening
  • Breast screening
  • Bowel cancer screening
  • Cervical screening
  • Diabetic eye (retinopathy) screening
  • Newborn screening (bloodspot and hearing)

Which screening programme is right for me?

Life stageScreening programme
PregnancyAntenatal screening
Newborn babiesNewborn screening
Adults with diabetesDiabetic eye screening
  • Women aged 25-49 every 3 years
  • Women aged 50-64 every 5 years
Cervical screening
Women aged 50-70 every 3 yearsBreast screening
Adults aged 60-74 every 2 yearsBowel cancer screening
Men turning 65AAA screening

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening

    The Northern Ireland abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening programme offers free screening to men registered with GP in the year they turn 65 to help detect abdominal aortic aneurysms early, for monitoring and treatment before they become life threatening.

  • Antenatal screening

    In Northern Ireland all pregnant women are offered a screening blood test to check for hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis infection and for rubella virus (German measles) susceptibility.

  • Newborn screening

    During the first few weeks after your baby is born, they will be offered a blood spot screening test and hearing screening test. 

  • Breast screening

    The breast screening programme covers the whole of Northern Ireland. Women aged 50 to 70, who are registered with a GP, are invited every three years.

  • Bowel cancer screening

    Information about bowel cancer screening, including who can take part, how to complete the home test, and where to find support and answers to common questions.

  • Cervical screening

    Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause changes to the cells of cervix. 

  • Diabetic eye screening

    Diabetic eye screening helps detect changes in the back of the eye before they affect your site. Find out who is eligible, what happens at your appointment and how regular screening can help protect your vision.

  • Very High Risk Breast Surveillance Screening

    The very high risk breast surveillance screening programme provides regular breast screening for women who have significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer and who have been assessed by a specialist in genetics, family history or oncology and are considered at very high risk of breast cancer. 

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Last reviewed
06 October 2026

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