Uptake of Bowel Scope (Flexible Sigmoidoscopy) Screening in the English National Programme: the first 14 months

Abstract

Early indications of uptake are encouraging. Future efforts should focus on increasing public awareness of the programme and reducing socioeconomic inequalities.

Concerns, perceived need and competing priorities: a qualitative exploration of decision-making and non-participation in a population-based flexible sigmoidoscopy screening programme to prevent colorectal cancer

“…In contrast to their findings that practical barriers do not play a major role in screening uptake, we found that barriers such as inability to attend the screening appointment do play a role and that these barriers have a greater influence on actual appointment attendance than the initial decision or intention to attend. An analysis of variation in uptake during the first 14 months of the Bowel scope screening programme7 identified that centre effects have an independent association with uptake along with deprivation and gender and that those offered out of hours appointments were more likely to attend screening. Our participants' experiences and satisfaction with re-arranging inconvenient appointment times differed between screening centres.…”

“…In the UK, uptake of CRC screening11 23 and more specifically for FS4 7 33 is lower in areas of higher deprivation. Further research is needed to explore the mediating effects of factors associated with higher deprivation such as existing physical and mental health problems (that may affect the desire and/or ability to attend the screening appointment), the lack of desire for potential treatment and lower flexibility in employment leave.…”

“…The effectiveness of any population-based screening programme is reliant on high uptake. At 43.1%, CRC screening uptake is lower than breast or cervical cancer screening (even among women),7 and uptake for FS is lower than that for FOBT 48 Understanding the influences on decision-making and non-participation in FS screening is therefore important to help optimise projected gains in mortality and reduce health inequalities.…”

“…This research has been undertaken with people offered screening within a research trial context or has focused on intention rather than actual screening behaviour. A quantitative analysis of screening uptake in the first 14 months of the English Bowel scope screening programme identified independent effects of deprivation, gender and screening centre on screening participation 7. We sought to gain a more thorough understanding of the influences on screening participation by conducting an in-depth exploration of the responses of members of the public to their invitation to the Bowel scope screening programme.…”

Does music reduce anxiety and discomfort during flexible sigmoidoscopy? A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Following this study, screening using flexible sigmoidoscopy was piloted across six centers in England, inviting anyone aged 55 years to undergo screening. The uptake was 43% (45% in men and 42% in women, 33% in low socioeconomic areas)[3]. A Study on patient attitudes towards screening flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) showed as possible reasons for poor uptake to be embarrassment and concern regarding pain during the procedure[4].…”