Does adding a return date to bowel screening letters increase test completion among people who have never taken part before in deprived areas?
Bowel cancer is common, but finding it early improves treatment. In Northern Ireland, fewer people take part in bowel screening, especially in less well-off areas. Many intend to do the test but don’t send it back. This study aims to see if adding a clear suggested return date to the screening invitation letter encourages more people, particularly those who haven't ever completed the test before, to do so. Participants will get their usual screening kit by post; some will have a standard letter, others will have the same letter with a sentence asking them to return the kit within three weeks. There are no extra appointments, and screening results are handled as normal.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking at how to encourage more people in Northern Ireland to take part in bowel cancer screening. Bowel cancer is a serious illness, but if it's found at an early stage, treatment usually works much better. Currently, fewer people in Northern Ireland take part in this screening compared to other parts of the UK, especially in areas where people may face more challenges in life. Many people who get the screening kit at home intend to do the test but sometimes forget to send it back.
The main aim of this study is to find out if a simple change to the letter people receive with their screening kit can make a difference. Researchers are wondering if adding a clear suggestion for when to return the test – like 'please send this back within three weeks' – will help more people, especially those who have never completed the test before, to actually do it. It's hoped this small change could help catch more bowel cancers early.
The study is focusing on people aged 60-74 who live in specific areas of Northern Ireland and have been invited for bowel screening before but have never sent back a completed test. Half of the people in the study will get the standard letter with their screening kit, and the other half will get the same letter but with the extra sentence about returning the kit within three weeks. There are no extra procedures or appointments involved; you just receive your usual kit, and your results are processed as normal through the Northern Ireland Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.
Key takeaways
- This study wants to see if a suggested return date on bowel screening letters helps more people take part.
- It focuses on people aged 60-74 in specific areas of Northern Ireland who haven't done screening before.
- Taking part means getting your usual screening kit with a slightly different letter for some.
- There are no extra appointments or procedures you need to attend.
- The main benefit could be detecting bowel cancer early if you complete the test.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you would need to be between 60 and 74 years old. You also need to live in one of the 10 areas in Northern Ireland that have been identified as having more people facing financial hardship.
Crucially, you must have been invited for bowel screening in the past but have never actually completed and returned a test kit. If you have ever been diagnosed with bowel cancer before, you would not be able to take part in this specific study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 60 and 74 years old?
- Do you live in one of the 10 most financially challenged areas in Northern Ireland?
- Have you been invited for bowel screening before, but never completed and returned the test?
- Have you never been diagnosed with bowel cancer?
What does participation involve?
If you are chosen for this study, you won't need to do anything different from your usual bowel screening process. You will receive your standard bowel screening kit in the post, just as you would normally. The only difference is the letter that comes with it. Half of the participants will receive the usual letter, and the other half will receive the same letter but with an added sentence suggesting you return the kit within three weeks.
There are no extra appointments, clinic visits, or procedures required. You simply complete your bowel screening test at home, if you choose to, and send it back in the provided envelope. Your screening results will be processed in the usual way by the Northern Ireland Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. The study started recruitment in 2024 and is expected to last about 12 months in total, with results being checked six months after you receive your invitation.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Northern Ireland Public Health AgencyCity onlyBelfast, Northern Ireland
Common questions
What is bowel cancer screening?
Bowel cancer screening is a test you do at home, usually sent by post, to check for early signs of bowel cancer. Finding it early means treatment is more likely to work.
Why is this study only for people in certain areas?
The study focuses on areas where fewer people currently take part in bowel screening, hoping to find ways to encourage more people to do the test in those specific communities.
Do I have to return the kit within three weeks if my letter suggests it?
The three-week suggestion is just a reminder to encourage people. You can still return the kit even if it's after three weeks if you choose to complete it.
Will my information be kept private?
Yes, all personal information is handled confidentially and securely as part of the Northern Ireland Bowel Cancer Screening Programme and the study.
Who is paying for this study?
The study is being funded by Bowel Cancer UK, a charity dedicated to fighting bowel cancer.
How to find out more
Ethna McFerran
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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