Cancer Support

The NCL (North Central London) Cancer Alliance wants to help patients and their families, with everything related to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Let’s work together for better health and support on this journey!

Your cancer pathway support guide: your guide to key questions to ask when you are referred for tests to investigate for cancer, or if you have already been diagnosed with cancer

Bowel Cancer: Information about symptoms

The NHS Bowel Screening Programme will send you the screening kits in the post when you are eligible/due. These kits are used to look for blood in the stool (poo), which can be a sign of cancer.

• Video: using your bowel cancer screening kit (in multiple languages)
• Video: How to do the FIT bowel cancer screening test 

When Will You Be Invited?

• Ages 60 to 74: are automatically sent a kit every 2 years
• Ages over 75: you can ask for a kit every 2 years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060 (please call this line also if you have lost your kit)
• Ages 50 to 60:  will gradually start to be offered bowel cancer screening too

Video: Bowel Cancer Screenings for People with Learning Disabilities

• Breast Cancer: Information about symptoms
• Video: Do The Test GO FOR IT! Taking the fear out of Breast Screening

In Islington and Camden, the Breast Screening Service is provided by The Central and East London Breast Screening Service.

When Will I Be Invited?

• Ages 50 to 53: you will get your first invite
• Ages 50 to 71: every 3 years

If you missed your breast screening appointment or wish to change your appointment:

• Call: 0203 758 2024
• Online: Visit the London Breast Screening website
• Email: rf-tr.londonbreastscreeninghub@nhs.net

Further Information

• Information About Breast Screening in Other Languages
• Video: Breast Cancer Screenings for People with Learning Disabilities

We offer cervical smear tests for women aged 25 to 64. This screening helps detect abnormal changes on the cervix that could potentially develop into cancer over time. Early detection and treatment can prevent up to 75% of cervical cancers. We strongly encourage all eligible patients to book a routine appointment with our nurses for this crucial screening.

Take control of your health and prioritize early detection for your well-being. Remember, cervical screening is a preventive measure, not a diagnostic test. If any abnormalities are found, further investigations or treatments may be recommended.

• Supporting earlier diagnosis of lung cancer
• Video: NHS Targeted Lung Health Checks in North and East London

North Central London Cancer Alliance began offering lung health checks in autumn 2022, to support the early detection and treatment of lung cancer. Lung Cancer Screening is offered to local residents between the ages of 55 and 74 who smoke or used to smoke. 

Lung Cancer Screening will be available nationally in England from April 2025. More information is available on the North Central London: Cancer Alliance website

Invitation letters are sent out by University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), after relevant patient data has been collected from each GP practice.

Lung Cancer Screening comprises of two stages: First a telephone call with a health professional who will carry out a brief assessment of the participant’s risk of lung cancer. If deemed to be high risk the participant will then be invited for a lung health check and low dose chest CT scan. The Lung Cancer Screening service will organise this, as required.

The sites for attending a lung health check and CT scan appointment are University College Hospital, Finchley Memorial Hospital and the Community Diagnostic Centre at The Mall Wood Green.

Information for those eligible for a check is available on a dedicated website here. If patients have questions about Lung Cancer Screening and cannot find the answer on the website or in their invitation letter, they can email: uclh.ncllunghealthcheck@nhs.net or call 0800 652 9589.

Why is Lung Cancer Screening important?

• Lung cancer can go undetected during its early stages, as there are often no signs or symptoms.
• Less than 20% of people diagnosed with lung cancer survive for five years or more.
• Lung Cancer Screening helps to detect cancer at an earlier stage, when curative treatment is more possible.
• To date, 80% of lung cancers found through Lung Cancer Screening have been at stage 1 or stage 2, compared to 30% without this kind of intervention.

Information about Lung cancer symptoms

Information can be found on the NHS website

A new cancer diagnosis is a very worrying time. The North Cental London Cancer Alliance website has some useful and supportive information about local pathways, services and support. If you would like to discuss these do make an appointment with one of our physician assistants.