Screening information for the transgender community
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.
Screening and your Community Health Index (CHI) number
Your Community Health Index (CHI) number:
- is a record of your date of birth
- identifies you as male or female
- is unique to you
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.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening eligibility
AAA screening is offered to those who:
- are male or assigned male at birth (AMAB)
- are 65 years or older
- have not been screened for an AAA before
Bowel screening
Bowel screening is offered 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.
Breast screening
Routine breast screening is offered to those who:
- are female or assigned female at birth (AFAB)
- are aged 50-70
- have not had a screening test in the last 3 years
Cervical screening
Cervical screening is routinely offered to those who:
- have a cervix (the entrance to the womb)
- are between 25 and 64 years old
- haven't had a screening test in the last 5 years
Further information
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:
National Gender Identity Clinical Network
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:
26 January 2023