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Understanding inequalities in bowel cancer screening in England

My PhD research explores inequalities in participation in cancer screening and how screening programmes can better support equitable access for all population groups. The overall aim is to understand why some people are less likely to take part in screening than others and to identify practical ways of improving participation among underserved communities.

The research comprises three linked projects. The first is a systematic review examining how partners and close relationships influence decisions about cancer screening. The second uses anonymised data from the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme to identify patterns of screening participation and inequalities in uptake across England. The third will involve qualitative research with members of the public to explore potential approaches for reducing inequalities in screening participation and improving access to screening services.

Together, these projects aim to generate evidence that can help the NHS and researchers design screening services and interventions that are accessible, acceptable and effective for diverse populations.

Summer 2026 - exploring the data on bowel cancer screening uptake

The study will use anonymised data from the national bowel cancer screening programme to examine patterns of screening participation since the introduction of the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) in 2019. The aim is to understand whether some groups of people are less likely to take part in screening than others, and whether inequalities have changed over time.

The research will explore differences in screening participation according to factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, disability and socioeconomic circumstances. It will also examine how characteristics of local areas may influence participation.

Only anonymised data will be used for this research. The information provided to the University of Southampton will not contain names, addresses, dates of birth, NHS numbers or other direct identifiers. Researchers will not be able to identify individual people from the data.

The data will be stored and analysed securely in accordance with NHS and University of Southampton information governance requirements. Access will be restricted to authorised members of the research team, and findings will only be reported in summary form so that individuals cannot be identified.

By identifying which groups are currently underserved by bowel cancer screening, this research aims to support the NHS in improving equitable access to screening and reducing inequalities in bowel cancer outcomes. The findings will also inform future research exploring ways to increase screening participation among groups with lower uptake.

¸£Àû×ÅƬings from the study will be shared through academic publications, conference presentations and public engagement activities.