Awareness-raising initiatives have helped drive an increase in breast screening uptake in Lancashire and south Cumbria, according to Public Health England (PHE).
A rise of between 3% and 13% was noted in GP practices involved in the initiative and one primary care provider saw a 27% increase in first time attendances.
“Screening is always a choice but by raising awareness we can help women to understand the benefits of screening and reduce the barriers to accepting an offer,” says a PHE blog published for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Focusing on women who do not regularly attend, the #bescreened drive promoted screening through newsletters, posters, supermarket stands, presentations, focus groups, and ‘breast friends’.
The blog explains, “We explored the reasons for non-attendance and used this information to improve the service. We worked with local communities to address some of the common worries and misunderstandings women may have about breast screening.”