British psycho-social oncology society 2008 conference abstracts Strategies to improve uptake of colorectal cancer screening in South Asian and lower income groups- a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: A national bowel cancer screening programme using the Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBt) has now been introduced in the UK. In the prior Pilot programmes in the East Midlands and in Tayside uptake was considerably lower in ethnic minority (especially South Asian) and lower income groups. PURPOSE: To develop a deeper understanding of the barriers to and facilitators of (bowel) cancer screening amongst ethnic minority and lower income populations, and use data to inform the development of new strategies to encourage uptake of bowel cancer screening in these low-uptake groups. METHODS: A qualitative methodology was employed in order to explore the views of members of these groups regarding bowel cancer, bowel cancer screening, and related topics. 16 focus groups were conducted: 8 focus groups (4 male; 4 female) with those from South Asian communities in England (predominantly the Midlands), and 8 focus groups (4 female; 3 male; 1 mixed gender) with those from socio-economically deprived areas of Dundee and Edinburgh in Scotland. The data was analysed by thematic analysis. RESULTS: Themes were categorised in to attitudes towards and expectations of screening: process-related concerns; and access to accessible information and health service personnel. CONCLUSIONS: The role of primary care in supporting bowel cancer screening in these populations was raised in both South Asian and lowerincome groups and needs to be explored further. Given the limited literacy of many invitees across the UK there is scope to develop alternative and innovative approaches to promote informed uptake.