Barriers to breast and cervical cancer screening
Investigating the varied reason people do and don’t access breast and cervical cancer screening cancer.
Healthwatch Enfield conducted a survey and focus groups to gain an understanding of Enfield resident’s views and experiences with breast and cervical cancer screening. This is in response to a drop in screening coverage in Enfield since 2020.
The survey was carried between January and March of this year with focus groups held throughout March. Surveys were available in both on-line and paper formats to help boost participation.
Key findings
- The majority women were unaware of the reasonable adjustments they can ask for.
- Past trauma is the most common reason for given not attending cervical screening.
- Of those that are not currently attending screening over half said a self-test would encourage them to take part in screening.
- Personal knowledge that screening is important is the most common reason for getting either screening.
- 19% of people who believe themselves to be eligible are not being invited for breast cancer screening.
- People with disabilities reported much lower rates of both breast and cervical screening coverage.
- People who identified as neurodivergent reported lower rates of cervical screening coverage.
- Staff competencies are integral to good screening experience.
- Appointment letters are not accessible for everyone.
- Difficult to navigate appointment systems and inconvenient appointment times reduce screening coverage.
Downloads
For more information please download the full report.
Barrier to Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening
