Because two thirds of all cancers are diagnosed in people over 65 years of age, it makes sense to take up any screening opportunities that are available to you. It's also a good idea to have a regular routine of self examination although it is important not to become anxious about it.

Screening

Screening large numbers of people for specific cancers is mostly not viable. The NHS is only able to provide two screening programmes - for breast cancer and cervical cancer (see below) - because a low-cost test that can provide accurate results (at a stage where treatment will be beneficial) exists.

A cost-effective, accurate way of screening for bowel (colorectal) cancer is currently being tested in the Coventry and North Warwickshire area.

There is no organised screening programme for prostate cancer, but men who would like to can have a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test that provides information about the health of their prostate. The PSA is a blood test and it can only give an indication of whether prostate cancer is likely to be present. Cancerbackup have developed a leaflet to help you make the right decision for you.

If it is common in your family you may be concerned about having an increased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer or bowel (colorectal) cancer. If so, ask your GP about having the appropriate test.

The NHS breast screening cancer programme

This programme provides free breast screening every three years for all women in the UK aged 50 and over. At the first screening test, two pictures are taken of the breast using mammography, but on subsequent screening tests, just one X-ray is taken.

The risk of most cancers increases as we get older and breast cancer is no exception. Research shows women under 60 have a one in 25 chance of getting breast cancer, compared to a one in 16 chance for those aged up to 70 and a one in two chance for those aged up to 80.

However only one in ten women know that they are more at risk of breast cancer as they get older.

Research shows that the NHS breast screening programme is on course to save 1,250 lives per year by the year 2010. This is great news but is sobering to realise that breast cancer is still the largest cause of death for middle-aged women.

Screening for cervical cancer

Cervical screening is a method of preventing cancer by detecting and treating early abnormalities which, if left untreated, could lead to cancer of the cervix (the neck of the womb). The first stage in cervical screening is either a smear test or Liquid-based Cytology (LBC).

All women between the ages of 25 and 64 are eligible for a free cervical smear test every three to five years. To be invited for a smear test you must be registered with a GP.

A sample of cells is taken from the cervix for analysis. Early detection and treatment can prevent 80 to 90 per cent of cancers developing but like other screening tests, it is not perfect. It may not always detect early cell changes that could lead to cancer.

Women aged 65 and over who have had three consecutive negative smears are taken out of the call recall system. The way that cervical cancer develops means that it is highly unlikely that such women will go on to develop the disease. Women aged 65 and over who have never had a smear are entitled to a test.

The importance of self examination

Being aware of changes in your body can help to provide early warning of breast cancer, testicular cancer and skin cancer. But self examination isn't something that you'll need to do every day; get into a routine of checking every couple of weeks or so. The important thing is to know what is normal for your body so that you will be able to spot any changes.

Detecting cancer at an early stage will improve your chances of being successfully treated, so don't think you are making a fuss about nothing if you notice something. Talk to your doctor to get any changes checked out.

Five point plan for breast health

1. Know what is normal for you
2. Know what changes to look and feel for
3. Look and feel
4. Report any changes to your GP without delay
5. Attend routine screening if aged fifty or over

There is a helpful guide with pictures available on the BBC website.

Men also need to be aware of their own breast tissue, as although it is rare men can also develop breast cancer. Approximately 300 men in the UK develop it each year.

Checking your testicles

Testicular cancer is a relatively rare condition, however the number of men who develop it has been steadily increasing for the past few years.

The best time to examine yourself is after a warm bath or shower. Look out for:

• swollen or enlarged testicles
• a pea-sized hard lump on the testicle
• a dull ache or dragging feeling
• a sharp pain or discomfort around the testicle or in the scrotum.

Don't delay – talk to your GP if you notice any changes. Testicular cancer is very treatable, but it is important to get it diagnosed as early as possible.

Skin health

Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer in the UK - the number of cases has doubled in 20 years.

Our skin changes a great deal as we get older. It's important to know what changes are normal and which might indicate cancer.

See your doctor if you have any unusual marks on your skin that don't disappear after a week or so, or if an existing mole shows any change in size, shape or colour.

Skin growths and changes can range from harmless warts or liver spots to skin cancers that require treatment. Most changes are caused by years of sun exposure.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

1. Squamous cell carcinoma - often develops on the rim of the ear, the face, the lips, or the back of hands. One in five skin cancers in the UK is this kind. Look out for:

• a wart-like growth that crusts and occasionally bleeds
• a persistent, scaly red patch with irregular borders
• any kind of sore
• an elevated growth with a central depression that occasionally bleeds.

Squamous cell carcinoma is cancer of the skins outer cells. If it is left untreated it can spread to internal organs, but it is usually cleared up easily with simple treatment.

2. Basal cell carcinoma - usually appears as a small, shiny bump or a pinpoint red bleeding area on the head, face, nose, neck or chest. More common in older fair-skinned people with blond or red hair and blue or green eyes. This is a cancer of the cells at the base of the skin and is the most common skin cancer in the UK. It rarely spreads and can usually be easily treated.

3. Malignant melanoma - usually appears as a dark brown or black mole-like growth with irregular borders and variable shades of brown and black. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer; it can affect anyone of any age, but is most likely to affect people who had severe childhood sunburns. The most frequent sites for melanoma are the upper back for men and women, the chest and abdomen in men, and women's lower legs.

Malignant melanomas only account for about 15 per cent of skin cancers, but 80 per cent of the deaths from skin cancer. It is essential for them to be treated at an early stage.

Be skin smart

It's a good idea to give yourself a skin MOT every few months. Use a bright light to look closely for changes to existing skin features or new growths. Bear in mind that most melanomas start with a change in the appearance of normal skin - less than a third develop from existing moles.

Use a hand mirror to get to hard to spy places and don't forget to check your scalp.