No matter which, if any, gender you identify with, it’s important you’re aware of which screening services you’re eligible for. This screening information is provided to help you access the screening you’re eligible for.
Your Community Health Index (CHI) number:
All NHS screening programmes in Scotland identify people who are eligible for screening through their CHI number. The screening services you are called for will depend on whether your CHI number identifies you as male or female. Whether you wish to change your CHI number as you transition is your choice.
If you’d like to change your CHI number, speak to your GP.
It isn’t always possible to identify people who’ve moved to Scotland or transitioned before 14 June 2015.
You won’t be automatically called for screening if you changed your CHI to reflect your gender transition before 14 June 2015. If you transitioned after 14 June 2015 you will be automatically called.
AAA screening is offered to those who:
If you’re a trans woman or an AMAB non-binary person, you’re still at higher risk of having an AAA. You’ll be eligible for AAA screening when you’re 65 years old.
You’ll be automatically invited if you:
You won’t be automatically invited if you’ve changed your CHI number to reflect a female gender on or before 14 June 2015. You should contact your local AAA screening centre for a self-referral.
You’re less likely to have an AAA if you’re a trans man or an AFAB non-binary person.
If you’ve changed your CHI number to reflect a male gender, you’ll be automatically invited and can choose whether you’d like to attend.
Bowel screening is offered to everyone aged 50 to 74.
As bowel screening applies to all genders, you’ll be automatically sent a home screening test even if you’ve changed your CHI number.
Routine breast screening is offered to those who:
If you’re a trans woman and taking hormones, the development of breast tissue means that you may be at risk of developing breast cancer.
You’ll be automatically invited for breast screening every 3 years if:
You won’t be invited if you haven’t changed your CHI number to reflect your female gender, or if you changed your CHI number before 14th June 2015. However, you can still have breast screening by arranging an appointment with your local breast screening centre.
If you’re an AMAB non-binary person who has never taken hormones, you will not be eligible for breast screening as you won’t have developed breast tissue.
If you’re an AMAB non-binary person who has taken or is currently taking hormones, the development of breast tissue means that you may be at risk of developing breast cancer.
You’ll be automatically invited for breast screening every 3 years if:
You won’t be invited if you haven’t changed your CHI number to reflect a female gender, or if you changed your CHI number before 14th June 2015. However, you can still have breast screening by arranging an appointment with your local breast screening centre.
If you’re a trans man or an AFAB non-binary person and haven’t had your breasts removed, you may be at risk of developing breast cancer.
You’ll be automatically invited for breast screening every 3 years if:
You won’t be invited if you’ve changed your CHI number to reflect a male gender on or before 14 June 2015. However, you can still have breast screening by arranging an appointment with your local breast screening centre.
If you’re a trans man or an AFAB non-binary person and have had a bi-lateral mastectomy (both breasts removed):
You should remain breast aware and contact your GP if you notice any unusual changes.
Cervical screening is routinely offered to those who:
If you’re a trans man or an AFAB non-binary person and still have your cervix (entrance to the womb from the vagina), you’re at risk of developing cervical cancer and are eligible for cervical screening.
You’ll be automatically invited:
You won’t be automatically invited if you changed your CHI number to reflect a male gender on or before 14 June 2015. Contact your GP to make sure you’re included in the cervical screening programme.
If you’re a trans man or an AFAB non-binary person and have had a total hysterectomy you:
If you’ve had a subtotal (or partial) hysterectomy to remove the womb, you should still receive invites for cervical screening.
You’ll be automatically invited if you haven’t changed your CHI number to reflect a male gender on or after 14 June 2015. Speak to your GP practice about opting out of cervical screening.
You won’t be automatically invited if you’ve changed your CHI number to reflect a male gender on or before 14 June 2015. However, you won’t need to be screened as you don’t have a cervix.
If you’re a trans woman or an AMAB nonbinary person you:
You’ll be automatically invited if you’ve changed your CHI number to reflect a female gender after 14 June 2015. However, you won’t need to be screened as you don’t have a cervix. If this applies to you, contact your GP.
You won’t be invited if you haven’t changed your CHI number to reflect a female gender.
If you’re unsure about what you’re eligible for, what you will or won’t be automatically invited for or have any questions about the screening service phone:
You can also visit the NHS Scotland National Gender Identity Clinical Network website for more details about NHS gender services, and help and support for trans and non-binary people in Scotland.
Last updated:
06 November 2023