When it comes to sickle cell and thalassaemia; genetic testing and screening— early checks that can identify a condition or carrier status, often before any symptoms appear — can shape life-changing decisions. Yet many people trying to understand their risk still face confusion, stigma, and unequal access to care.

In this episode of The Sickle Cell Society Podcast, host Kesewaa Browne brings together a specialist nurse, screening experts and people with lived experience to unpack everything about screening and testing, including when it should happen, and why it matters so much for family planning, pregnancy and fertility.

The panel explores:

• How and when screening happens across the UK’s NHS — including newborn, antenatal and adult testing
• Why knowing your genotype or carrier status early can make a critical difference towards informed choice
• Barriers to accessing testing, particularly in areas of low prevalence
• Inequalities in screening, GP awareness, and regional services
• The emotional and cultural stigma that still surrounds genetic testing
• Fertility options, including IVF, genetic counselling, and pre-implantation genetic testing
• Why men are often under-represented in pre-conception testing — and how that can change 

Drawing on both professional expertise and personal stories, the conversation examines how screening pathways have evolved since the 1990s and how they operate today. The panel explores this important topic in depth, sharing insights relevant to patients, families and professionals alike. 

 This episode is produced in collaboration with the UK Thalassaemia Society, and is  funded by the Society’s NHS Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Screening Engagement Project commissioned by NHS England.

@SickleCellUK
https://www.sicklecellsociety.org/
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