Bowel scope screening: interventions to increase uptake in Yorkshire

Background and study aims
Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in England. Bowel scope screening (BSS) can prevent bowel cancer by removing pre-cancerous growths within the bowel before they become cancerous. Previous research has shown that BSS can lower a person’s risk of getting bowel cancer by a third and their risk of dying from bowel cancer by half. The NHS in England now offers BSS to 55 year olds registered with a general practice (GP), but uptake is low, particularly in more deprived areas. The aim of this study is to find out whether GP practice based interventions can increase uptake of BSS in Hull and other parts of Yorkshire.
Who can participate?
People aged 55 due to receive their NHS BSS invitation (identified through GPs)
What does the study involve?
Participants are randomly allocated to one of three groups:
1. Usual care: no contact from GPs
2. Primer and self-referral letter: A letter advising of the future delivery of a BSS invitation is sent by the participant’s GP, along with a locally tailored leaflet explaining the test. If the practice receives notice that an individual did not attend their appointment, a letter highlighting the self-referral process is sent.
3. Primer and patient navigation: As above, a letter and leaflet are sent ahead of the NHS BSS invitation. If the practice receives notice that an individual did not attend their appointment, a call to the participant is made to identify and address personal barriers to uptake and, if appropriate, help arrange a new appointment. If no telephone contact is possible, a self-referral letter is sent.
Screening attendance is monitored and compared between the groups.