Keywords: Colorectal cancer screening, Rural cancer prevention programmes

Background:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a significant global health challenge, with early detection facilitated by screening programs playing a crucial role in reducing mortality rates. The National Health Service (NHS) administers a national CRC screening program in England. However, rural communities often demonstrate lower participation rates in these screening initiatives than their urban counterparts. This discrepancy warrants further examination and targeted interventions to enhance participation among rural populations.

Research questions:

To enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of the national colorectal cancer screening program within our rural community, it is imperative to comprehend the underlying reasons for non-participation, identify existing barriers, and propose solutions to improve participation rates.

Method:

The practice appointed a Colorectal Cancer (CRC) screening monitoring officer to manage all outcomes related to positive, negative, or non-response results.
Utilising a multi-channel approach, the monitor diligently follows up with patients who have not responded through various methods, including telephone calls, text messages, and written correspondence. The officer addresses results during face-to-face consultations and seeks to understand the reasons for non-participation.
Additionally, the monitor encourages participation by offering support and pertinent information, actively listens to patients, addresses any concerns, and facilitates test administration within the practice setting.

Results:

Data was collected from results over one year. One hundred ninety-nine patients were sent Bowel Screening Kits; 92 did not respond. Seventy-eight were contacted by text message, five were contacted by telephone, and nine were reviewed face-to-face. Seventy-five did not answer. Fifteen responded, three declined. Twelve 12 Tests were given out, with 10 being returned.

Conclusions:

Our review found that implementing these strategies can modestly enhance CRC screening participation in rural communities, improving early detection and helping reduce CRC-associated morbidity and mortality.
Bowel screening programmes may be more effective in rural settings by providing tailored interventions, improving accessibility, and giving reassurance.