Enhancing Breast Cancer Screening Uptake: A Community-based Intervention in Southeast Wolverhampton, UK

Objectives Breast cancer screening rates in Wolverhampton, UK, have fallen below national targets. This study examines potential contributing factors to low screening uptake and evaluates whether collaboration between primary care networks (PCNs) and public health initiatives is associated with improved screening participation and health promotion efforts. The research focuses on Wolverhampton Southeast PCN, assessing the effectiveness of a joint approach in addressing health inequalities and enhancing targeted outreach. Setting and methods A targeted intervention was implemented to re-engage women who had previously missed breast cancer screening appointments. The intervention employed a multi-faceted strategy, incorporating high-quality telephone consultations and a self-booking system. The study involved two primary care practices in Wolverhampton - Bilston Urban Village and Bilston Medical Centre. Eligible participants were identified based on prior non-attendance, with 713 women included in the study. Results The intervention led to a 22% screening uptake (126 of the 581 invited participants) among 713 women who had previously not attended their breast screening appointments, demonstrating the potential of targeted strategies to improve participation. However, screening rates remain below the National Health Service (NHS) minimum target of 70%, indicating the need for further tailored interventions. Conclusion The findings underscore persistent disparities in breast cancer screening uptake within Wolverhampton's primary care network. While targeted interventions can enhance engagement, additional efforts are required to bridge the gap and achieve national screening targets. Strengthening collaboration between primary care and public health may be key to addressing health inequalities and improving preventive health measures.