Your experiences of cancer screening
In the UK screening is provided by the NHS for bowel, breast and cervical cancer, to provide diagnoses at an early stage, when there are more treatment options and treatment may be more successful.
Screening is a way of finding out if you have a higher chance of having a health problem, so early treatment can be offered or information given to support better care.
171 people from across Sussex shared their views with us.
We heard:
- 62.6% respondents rated their experience of cancer screening as Excellent/Good, 8.2% as Average, and 3.0% as Poor/Very Poor.
- Easier to access locations or support with travel (14.0%), More flexible appointment times (11.7%), and Being sent a reminder (11.1%) were most identified as making it easier to attend or participate in cancer screening.
- 70.2% Agree/Strongly Agree the benefits of cancer screening were clearly communicated and 67.3% that results were easy to understand.
- 19.3% Disagree/Strongly Disagree they knew who would perform screening prior to attendance and 9.3% their additional needs were considered.
Respondents to our poll told us they would like to see:
Continuation of positive good practice.
“Nothing [needed] as very satisfied.”
“None – excellent services. However, many people still don’t take advantage of what they’re offered – sometimes maybe ad campaigns are needed.”
Easier to access locations or support with travel.
“Level access. I had to climb a very steep, metal staircase which because it was raining had become very, very slippery.”
“More accessible location.”
Improved adaptations and support.
“Better understanding by the staff of the extra needs for a person with a disability in my case hearing impairment.”
“As a disabled person I was made to feel a nuisance.”
Greater flexibility in setting appointments.
“Ability to book own appointment online rather than be told when it is to be.”
Reminders to support those who need to request screening.
“Because of my age I have to remember to request a screening every 3 years myself. It would help to have a reminder.”
“To be called in rather than having to be proactive to seek out screening.”
Greater personalisation and empathy from staff.
“Slightly friendlier staff, I felt as though my information was being dismissed without explanation.”
“A warmer personable approach and manner by nurse/technician at the breast screening. A little curt.”
Continuation of screening beyond current age boundaries.
“I would have no ‘cut off’ ages.”
“The upper age for bowel screening is 74 and I am 78; it would be good if screening could be extended above 74.”
Next steps
As the public champion for local health and care services, Healthwatch will continue to work in partnership with commissioners and providers to monitor the experiences of patients and the public in accessing health and care services locally and explore how ongoing improvements may be delivered.
We will share the attached report with East Sussex County Council, NHS Sussex, Healthwatch England and others to share this insight and encourage its incorporation into future initiatives.
Downloads
Please download the following document for the full report.
