Unmet Needs
Uptake varies considerably across North Tyneside (Table 1) and leaves 18.3 – 39.6% of the eligible women registered with a GP not screened10depending on where they live. This unmet need is higher for women with a learning disability (Table 2).
Mechanisms for Unmet Need
The breast cancer screening programme is a complex service (Figure 1) that operates on a regional footprint and is not routinely part of local primary and secondary care. GP practices are monitored for their patient cohort’s uptake for breast screening, with data collected for screened in last 36 months (3 year coverage %).Given the complexities of the service and its separateness from local healthcare, it is plausible that it does not meet the needs of all those it is intended for. Examples of where there may be unmet needs include:
GP Lists - The NBCSS contacts GP Practices for accurate lists of who is eligible for breast cancer screening and who may need any adjustments.
Location - The screening unit has been situated in North Tyneside General Hospital car park for 2021-22 where previously it was in supermarket carparks. Screening in non-healthcare settings is known to increase uptake.
Operational Hours - The service runs during conventional working hours which can be a challenge for many people to attend.
Reasonable adjustments - There is one accessible clinic a month and women can alternatively reschedule their appointment to a local hospital.
Delays – the service is currently inviting women 6-9 months later than the scheduled 36 months which increases unmet and future need as more people are eligible and have had longer between screening. This may lead to an increase in breast cancer morbidity and mortality over the next 5 years.