Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Improving Uptake of Bowel Cancer Screening Among South Asian Adults in Bradford

Bowel cancer screening can save lives by finding cancer early. However, fewer South Asian adults take part in these vital checks in areas like Bradford. This study aims to find a better way to encourage more people to screen. Researchers are testing a new, improved kit that includes a clear instruction booklet and a special 'poo catcher' designed with South Asian communities in mind. They want to see if this makes it easier and more comfortable for people to complete the home test. The results will help shape how bowel cancer screening is offered in the future to make sure everyone has an equal chance to take part.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Hull

Enrolment target

2,300

Start

01 Nov 2024

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2026

Bowel Cancer Screening

What is this study about?

Bowel cancer is a serious illness, but if caught early through screening, it's often much easier to treat. In the UK, the NHS offers free bowel cancer screening kits to everyone aged 60 to 74 every two years. These kits are sent to your home for you to collect a small poo sample, which is then sent back to a lab to check for hidden blood – a sign that something might be wrong.

However, some groups of people, including South Asian adults and those living in certain areas like Bradford, are less likely to do the screening test. This can be for many reasons, not just language issues. Researchers have spent time talking to South Asian communities to understand what makes it difficult to complete the test. They found things like not knowing much about bowel cancer, finding the test instructions tricky, not feeling confident, or simply putting it off.

This study is trying to address these challenges. It wants to see if a specially designed, 'culturally tailored' screening kit can help. This new kit includes easier-to-understand instructions and a biodegradable 'poo catcher' to make the sample collection simpler. The goal is to make the screening process less daunting and more accessible, so more people feel able to take part and benefit from early detection of bowel cancer.

Key takeaways

Bowel cancer screening can save lives by catching cancer early.
This study wants to make screening easier for South Asian adults in Bradford.
It's testing a new screening kit with clearer instructions and a 'poo catcher'.
Participation involves simply receiving and considering your screening kit.
The results could help improve screening for everyone in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to be registered with one of 17 specific GP practices in Bradford. You would also need to be due to receive your regular NHS bowel cancer screening invitation during the time the study is running.

There are a couple of reasons you wouldn't be included. If you've asked for a screening kit yourself rather than waiting for an invitation, or if you've previously chosen to opt out of bowel cancer screening, then this study wouldn't be for you.

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 registered with a GP in Bradford?
Are you due to receive your NHS bowel cancer screening kit soon?
Have you *not* asked for a screening kit yourself recently?
Have you *not* previously opted out of bowel cancer screening?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you're part of this study, you won't need to make any extra doctor's visits or have special assessments. What happens is that when you're due for your regular bowel cancer screening kit, you'll either receive the standard NHS kit, or a special enhanced kit. The enhanced kit will include additional, culturally tailored instructions and a new type of 'poo catcher' designed to make the sample collection easier. The study team will then look at whether people in each group complete and return their screening kit. The total duration of your involvement would be the time it takes you to decide whether to complete and return the screening kit after you receive it.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no known direct risks to taking part in this study beyond the usual process of bowel cancer screening, which is very safe. The potential benefit is that if the enhanced kit works, it could make bowel cancer screening easier and more accessible for many people, helping to catch bowel cancer earlier. You are always free to decide not to complete the screening kit, as you would with any NHS screening invitation, and this will not affect your care in any way.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Northeast Bowel cancer Screening Hub
Verified postcode
Gateshead, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is bowel cancer screening?

It's a simple home test to find hidden blood in your poo, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer. Finding cancer early means it's often easier to treat.

Who is this study for?

This study is for South Asian adults in Bradford who are registered with certain GP practices and are due to receive their free NHS bowel cancer screening kit.

What is a 'culturally tailored' kit?

It's a screening kit that has been specially designed with clearer instructions and tools, like a 'poo catcher', based on feedback from South Asian communities to make the test easier to understand and complete.

Do I need to visit a hospital or clinic?

No, you don't need to make any extra visits. Everything related to the study will happen at home when you receive your regular screening kit.

Will my GP know if I take part?

The study looks at screening uptake in groups, not individuals' choices. Your GP will only know if you complete the screening kit, as is standard practice.