Exploring variation in uptake of breast screening in NHS A&A
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring variation in uptake of breast screening in NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
IRAS ID
362982
Contact name
Lynne Rush
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Ayrshire and Arran
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The South West of Scotland Breast Screening Service invites women aged 50-70 in Ayrshire and Arran and Dumfries and Galloway for screening every 3 years.
Stevenston is one of the ‘three towns’ in North Ayrshire, along with Ardrossan and Saltcoats. North Ayrshire has some of the lowest life expectancy figures in Scotland, and more years lived in poor health (healthy life expectancy for females of 52 compared to the Scottish average of 61).
The non-attendance rate for breast screening in Stevenston is higher than elsewhere in NHS Ayrshire & Arran (A&A). For the most recent round of screening, uptake in Stevenston was the lowest of all areas in A&A at 69% compared to a national average of 75%. In comparison, uptake in Auchinleck, which has a similar socioeconomic profile, is 85%. Reasons for this are unclear. Challenging public transport links have been suggested as a potential barrier even, however previous attempts to address this by have not resulted in improved uptake.
As part of our local Screening Inequalities Action Plan, which is aligned with the National Equity in Screening Strategy 2023-26, we aim to explore the underlying reasons behind variation in uptake in the local population using focus groups. The findings will inform future design and delivery of the South West of Scotland Breast Screening Service.
Participants will be recruited from women's community groups in each area. Several settings have been identified and are outlined in the study protocol. The target age group will be women aged 50 -70 but women who are older or younger will also be eligible. We will conduct a minimum of three focus groups in Stevenston and three in Auchinleck with up to eight participants in each.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0118
Date of REC Opinion
30 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion