Cancer and diagnostics

What’s the difference between a diagnostic test and a screening test?

A diagnostic test is requested when a patient has symptoms and more information is needed to determine a diagnosis.

Screening tests are a way of identifying apparently healthy people who may have an increased risk of a particular condition.  The NHS offers a range of screening tests to different sections of the population. Dependent on your result you may be offered diagnostic tests to confirm of you have the condition.

Here you can find out more about the cancer and diagnostic services across Birmingham and Solihull, including clinical pathways and community diagnostic services. For further information, please email nhsbsolicb.bsolcancerteam@nhs.net

Learn more

Get involved

Cancer tour bus coming to an area near you
Early diagnosis of cancer is vital; detecting a problem early on can mean that treatment is more effective.

Between 2 and 6 September, cancer experts will be coming to locations across Birmingham and Solihull on a bus dedicated to providing health checks and important screening information about cancer.

The bus aims to give our local communities the opportunity to not only catch any warning signs of cancer as early as possible, but it will also be a chance for people to talk to a host of professionals, from the NHS to MacMillan Cancer Support and Diabetes UK. Here, they will share signs to look out for, how to live the healthiest possible life and signpost the public to useful services.

Find out when the cancer bus is coming to an area near you.