Bowel Cancer Screening in City and Hackney: Community Voice Forum
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Healthwatch Hackney and Healthwatch City of London report on a Community Voice Forum on bowel cancer screening on 12 December 2023.
Key presentations were delivered, emphasising the crucial role of early detection through screening in improving survival rates. The forum also served as a platform for public feedback, highlighting the experiences of City & Hackney residents.
Obi Onyiah, from North-East London Cancer Alliance, discussed the importance of population health screening and detailed the NHS's primary cancer screening programmes, underscoring their impact on reducing mortality and improving treatment success.
Leena Khagram, from Homerton Hospital’s North-East London Bowel Cancer Screening programme, focused on the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), a critical tool for early bowel cancer detection.
The service has recently expanded its reach to include individuals aged 54 in England, aiming to catch the disease earlier.
Participants raised concerns about the age limitations in cancer screening programmes and the challenges faced by older individuals in accessing screenings.
Feedback also highlighted the need for more accessible screening kits for people with dexterity issues and varying cultural backgrounds. S
uggestions were made for an opt-in system for regular screening reminders for the elderly and the adaptation of communication strategies to be more inclusive and flexible.
The forum concluded with a commitment to address these concerns and improve the overall effectiveness of the screening programme.