What is IBS?-Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system.
It causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. These tend to come and go over time, and can last for days, weeks or months at a time.
It's usually a lifelong problem. It can be very frustrating to live with and can have a big impact on your everyday life.
There's no cure, but diet changes and medicines can often help control the symptoms.
The exact cause is unknown – it's been linked to things like food passing through your gut too quickly or too slowly, oversensitive nerves in your gut, stress and a family history of IBS.

What is diabetic eye screening?-Diabetic eye screening

Diabetic eye screening

Watch a video about what happens when you go for diabetic eye screening and find out why it's important to get your eyes checked in the first place

Media last reviewed: 5 November 2018
Media review due: 5 November 2021

Diabetic eye screening is a test to check for eye problems caused by diabetes.
Eye problems caused by diabetes are called diabetic retinopathy. This can lead to sight loss if it's not found early.
The eye screening test can find problems before they affect your sight.
Pictures are taken of the back of your eyes to check for any changes.
If you have diabetes and you're aged 12 or over, you'll get a letter asking you to have your eyes checked at least once a year.

You can get other versions of diabetic eye screening information, including an easy read guide, an audio guide and guides in other languages.

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high.
It can cause symptoms like excessive thirst, needing to pee a lot and tiredness. It can also increase your risk of getting serious problems with your eyes, heart and nerves.

How cervical screening is done

Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix. The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina.
It's not a test for cancer, it's a test to help prevent cancer.
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should be invited by letter.
During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix.
The sample is tested for changes to the cells of your cervix.
Finding abnormal changes early means they can be monitored or treated so they do not get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
You'll get your results by letter, usually in about 2 weeks.