Health Equity in Breast Cancer Screening in the UK: Where Communication Comes In

I talk a lot about how screening and early detection is crucial for better patient outcomes. But one area that I've realised I've personally failed to address is equitable access to screening.

As someone who has always been proactive where my health is concerned, I've taken for granted the fact that I can and will always attend screening appointments. But this data shows that's clearly not the case for everyone.

There are some obvious barriers to access, whether that's the inability to understand the importance of screening, religious/cultural reasons that prevent women from attending mammograms, to lack of cheap/easy access to screening appointments.

Now some of these aren't easy to overcome, but the NHS needs to do more where they can - starting with simple changes to communication. A while back I had a letter "inviting" me to my PAP smear test. There was even a line that said "you don't have to have this screening test". Now I know you can't force people into screening, but there's better, more positive and influential language that can be used to help people understand the importance of medical screening.

Why aren't we starting letters with phrases like "A mammogram could save your life"? or "Mammograms prevent nearly 1,300 breast cancer-related deaths in the UK every year". Are we sending letters out in other languages to people that we know don't speak English?

Clear communication is absolutely crucial when it comes to healthcare, and helping people to make positive decisions regarding their wellbeing and care. That's why I love working with healthcare companies to make sure that they use the best language and messaging in any given situation.

I really hope that the NHS takes these findings and looks into ways to help close the equity gap. And if they're reading this and want my perspective or someone to help them find clearer, more compelling ways to communicate - drop me a message!