Enventure Research has recently completed a programme of qualitative research with residents of Leicester City Council focusing on attitudes and views in relation to the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. Bowel cancer is a significant issues for Leicester, with the area recording statistically lower one-year survival rates compared to the regional and England averages. The area also records the lowest uptake rate of bowel cancer screening kits in the East Midlands.
Additionally, Leicester has a high level of deprivation compared to the country as a whole. It is logical therefore to suggest that these factors may be influencing the low level of uptake of the screening kits across the Leicester City area, and consequently the research targeted individuals from South Asian and disadvantaged / deprived communities.
Enventure Research’s experienced researchers conducted a series of six focus groups and eight in-depth telephone interviews with Leicester City Council residents aged 60-74 years old from the target groups of South Asian and disadvantaged / deprived communities. All participants were previous or potential users of the National Bowel Cancer Screening programme. Focus group and interview participants were split by gender and ethnicity.
The research examined awareness of bowel cancer and the National Screening Programme, exploring the reasons for and potential barriers to using the bowel cancer screening kits. Upon completion of the qualitative research, the data collected during the focus groups and telephone interviews was analysed to identify common attitudes and views about bowel cancer screening, communication of health promotion information and ideas about ways to increase awareness about bowel cancer. These key themes were grouped and collated into a comprehensive research report, which will be used by the Council to help inform its approach to improving uptake of the National Screening Programme, therefore improving life expectancy and helping to reduce health inequalities amongst Leicester residents.
