Screening
SKREE-ning /ˈskriːnɪŋ/
Neutral Neutral
What it really means
NHS programmes that test healthy people for early signs of illness — for example cervical screening (the "smear test") and breast and bowel screening for certain age groups. You are invited by letter when eligible; the tests are free.
Chinese explanation
筛查：NHS为健康人群进行的疾病早期检测项目——如宫颈筛查（俗称smear test）以及特定年龄段的乳腺癌和肠癌筛查。符合条件时会收到邀请信，检查免费。
Example conversation
A: I got a letter inviting me for cervical screening. Is something wrong?
B: No, it's routine — everyone in that age group is invited automatically.
A：我收到一封邀请做宫颈筛查的信，是有什么问题吗？
B：没有，这是常规项目——该年龄段的人都会自动收到邀请。
What you could say back
No spoken reply needed for this one.
Related phrases
Official sources
Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.
Go deeper
All Healthcare & NHS
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake