Community-based learning disabilities nurses supporting patients with breast, cervical, and bowel cancer screening

People with learning disabilities participate in cancer screening) at lower rates than people without learning disabilities. The reasons for these disparities are somewhat unclear, although in the United Kingdom (UK), community-based learning disabilities nurses are a key professional group who may help facilitate screening. Our aim was to understand how learning disabilities nurses facilitate cancer screening among their patients with learning disabilities. We interviewed 11 nurses, finding that while there are some characteristics that are unique to each screening modality, there are many similarities in accessing screening. Nurses described supporting their patients by making reasonable adjustments. These adjustments include providing easy-read information, allowing for advance appointments and providing training for people with learning disabilities, their carers, and health professionals involved in the screening. By understanding how nurses may support patients, future interventions can be implemented to increase the numbers of people with learning disabilities accessing screening and reduce this screening disparity.