People with learning disabilities are missing out on life-saving cancer screening, an NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde initiative has identified.
Latest statistics show that in 2022/2023, only 26.5% of those with learning disabilities in GGC who were eligible for cervical cancer screening attended their appointment – significantly lower than the 65.4% uptake rate within the rest of the GGC population.
Similarly, uptake of bowel cancer screening was 44.5% compared with 60.6%; and uptake of breast cancer screening was 51.1% compared with 69.9%.
A new initiative from NHSGGC, the Inequalities Sensitive Practice Project, is calling for people with learning disabilities to attend cancer screening appointments.
Clare Smith, NHSGGC Inequalities Sensitive Practice Development Lead, explained the initiative’s importance. She said: “It is unfair that people with learning disabilities are missing out on cancer screening.
“We know cancer screening can detect cervical cancer, breast cancer and bowel cancer earlier, making treatment more effective. We believe that improving access will see more positive outcomes for people with learning disabilities.
“We are aware of barriers people with learning disabilities experience when accessing cancer screening such as lack of accessible information, time constraints and even lack of awareness that the screening is available.
“An important step in taking action to address a key barrier is ensuring people with learning disabilities are aware they can ask for some additional support to attend screening appointments.
“For example, asking for longer appointment times, a quiet place to wait or first appointment of clinic. They can also have a family member or support worker accompany them to and during the appointment. These are what we call reasonable adjustments and there are many more adjustments which can be made depending on each person’s circumstances.
“We’re asking people with learning disabilities, parents and carers to be aware if they have missed or are due a screening appointment. Their GP practice can advise when they are due and help them to book an appointment.”
For more information about NHSGGC screening programmes and who is eligible, visit: https://www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/public-health/public-health-screening/screening-programmes/
