Tackling health inequalities in cancer screening

This project took place in Charnwood, an area of low uptake of cancer screening services, to explore the reasons behind this and what would make it easier for people to attend.

The challenge

There is poorer uptake of cancer screening from communities where health inequalities are greatest; for example, Bangladeshi, Polish, homeless people, travellers, sex workers and carers.

The solution

Public health staff and community groups set up a project in Charnwood to explore the reasons behind poor uptake of cancer screening. A series of focus groups explored the barriers people faced and the things that would make it easier for them to attend.

Impact

The results of the project are being used to make changes to services and help improve uptake among these communities. For example, some GP practices are offering extra clinics, extended hours of access, outreach support and information in different formats and languages. 

The team is also working with University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust to adopt a similar approach to engaging with people who miss respiratory appointment, in order to fully understand the barriers they face. Further plans are also being considered, to explore other key priority areas in the community. 

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