Improving access to cancer screening among people with SMI (version 1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving access to cancer screening among people with severe mental illness (SMI): development of a programme theory for a complex intervention
IRAS ID
358844
Contact name
Andrew Gumley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
j3e8y, Open Science Framework
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
This study aims to improve access to cancer screening for people with severe mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
In Scotland, there are national screening programmes for bowel cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer. Lung cancer screening is also being planned for the future.
People with SMI are less likely to have cancer screening, which can lead to later diagnoses and worse outcomes. This research will explore why this happens and how to make screening more accessible for this group.
The study will focus on screening for breast, bowel, cervical, and lung cancer. It will involve people aged 50–74 with SMI, their carers (family or friends who support them), and healthcare professionals. The research will take place in the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (NHSGGC) and NHS Ayrshire & Arran (NHSAA) regions of Scotland.
The study has five parts:
1. Focus groups and interviews with people with SMI and their carers to understand barriers and identify solutions.
2. Similar discussions with healthcare professionals.
3. Workshops to design ways to improve screening access.
4. Testing and refining these ideas with participants.
5. A steering group, including people with SMI/carer lived experience, to help guide the research and develop future plans.Participants will be invited to share their experiences in focus groups, interviews and workshops lasting 30 minutes to 2 hours. People taking part (except professionals) will receive a £30 multi-store gift voucher.
The study is funded by the Chief Scientist Office and led by the University of Glasgow in partnership with the Mental Health Network Greater Glasgow (MHNGG), with NHSGGC as the sponsor.
This research could help reduce health inequalities by supporting earlier cancer diagnoses and better care for people with SMI. The findings will be shared through public events, conferences and publications.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/EE/0062
Date of REC Opinion
13 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion