Black women want more accessible breast cancer screening info, study finds
Black women in the UK want clearer, more accessible breast cancer screening information, research has found.
The study looked at why Black African and Black Caribbean women are less likely than white women to attend breast screening.
Researchers at the University of Surrey held focus groups and interviews with 47 Black African and Black Caribbean women aged 50 to 71.
Women in this age group are routinely invited for NHS breast screening.
The researchers said only 45 per cent of Black women attend screening, compared with 63 per cent of white women.
Anietie Aliu, lead author, postgraduate researcher at the University of Surrey and registered nurse, said: “Diagnosing breast cancer early can dramatically improve a person’s chance of survival.
“Breast cancer screening plays an important role in this by identifying the cancer and ensuring a person receives speedy treatment.
“Despite the importance of screening, Black women are less likely to attend appointments than white females.
“This puts them at risk of a potential cancer being diagnosed late and spreading to other areas of the body. We need to understand what is preventing Black women from attending these appointments and help identify ways to remove such barriers.”
The study found a need to increase awareness of breast cancer screening, especially among women less familiar with the service.
Some women, particularly those born outside the UK, knew little about breast screening before receiving their first invitation.
Others questioned why they needed screening when they had no symptoms.
The importance of trusted conversations was also identified.
Researchers found that some Black women expected their GPs to speak to them about breast screening, particularly before they reached screening age.
Although NHS breast screening is organised through national screening services, researchers said GPs often have established relationships with patients and may be well placed to offer brief advice on preventive care, including breast screening.
Participants called for stronger links between GP practices, breast screening services and Black community champions.
They said this could help women receive trusted information, ask questions and feel reassured.
Faith and religious beliefs also shaped decisions for some women.
Some Black African Christian women said illness, including cancer, was not permitted by God in their bodies, while others saw screening as a personal choice that did not conflict with Christian faith.
Muslim women highlighted the importance of being able to state their religion on medical appointment forms to help ensure they were seen by a female mammographer.
A mammographer is a healthcare professional trained to carry out breast screening scans.
Aliu added: “Breast screening can save lives, but our findings show that attendance is shaped by multiple factors, not just awareness, although awareness remains important.
“Women need relatable screening information, reassurance, flexible appointments and services that are accessible within their communities.
“Many felt that invitation letters were too formal, and that leaflets and media imagery did not reflect them, making it harder to relate to screening.”
Dr Afrodita Marcu, senior research fellow at the University of Surrey and member of the research team, said: “We need a more collaborative approach, where primary care, screening services and community voices work together to support women before, during and after the invitation.”
The researchers said future breast screening interventions should be designed with Black women, rather than for them.
They said user-friendly and culturally relevant resources, developed with communities, healthcare professionals and screening services, could improve understanding, reduce fear and make breast screening feel more accessible and reassuring.
Dr Robert Kerrison, associate professor of cancer care at the University of Surrey, said: “There is no question that breast screening can be lifesaving, but we need to make it easier for women to understand, access and feel reassured by the programme.
“This means improving communication, addressing practical barriers and making sure healthcare professionals and community partners are supported to provide clear and trusted information.”
The team has also explored healthcare professionals’ perspectives and worked with stakeholders to develop user-friendly materials with Black women.
Researchers said this co-designed approach could help ensure breast screening messages are culturally relevant, practical and shaped by the people they are intended to support.
