Understanding people’s experiences of Bowel Screening in Blackburn with Darwen

Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen undertook multiple focus groups which were conducted across different communities to identify barriers, challenges, and actionable recommendations for improving bowel screening programs. Participants highlighted a range of issues, from cultural stigmas to practical barriers, offering valuable suggestions to enhance accessibility, awareness, and participation.

While many participants were familiar with bowel screening due to receiving kits or recommendations from healthcare providers, gaps in knowledge about eligibility and the process were common, particularly among younger or underserved groups. 

Emotional factors, including fear of results and embarrassment, were significant deterrents. Practical challenges such as unclear instructions and concerns about hygienic sample collection further discouraged some individuals. 

In some communities, cultural taboos and misconceptions about illness limited open discussions about bowel health, highlighting the need for tailored outreach.