Helping Breast Cancer Now Explore the Future Implementation of Risk-Stratified Breast Screening
We’re delighted to be working with Breast Cancer Now on a new policy research project exploring the future implementation of risk-stratified breast screening in the NHS.
Breast Cancer Now is the UK’s leading breast cancer charity, combining world-class research, campaigning and support services to improve outcomes for people affected by breast cancer. Alongside funding cutting-edge scientific research, the charity plays an important role in shaping policy and influencing debate on earlier diagnosis, better treatment and improved care. This project sits within that wider ambition, helping to build the evidence base around how breast screening could evolve in the future.
What is risk-stratisfied screening?
Risk-stratified screening is a personalised approach in which elements of the screening offer, such as screening interval, eligibility or test modality, could be adapted according to a woman’s individual level of risk. There is growing clinical and policy interest in this area, alongside ongoing trials and wider discussion about how screening programmes can become more targeted and effective. However, while much of the existing work has focused on the potential benefits of risk-based approaches, there is still an important question about how such a model could be implemented in practice within the realities of NHS services.
Our approach
We have been appointed to support phase 3 of a wider programme led by Breast Cancer Now, which has already included evidence review and expert interviews. Through focus groups with stakeholders from across the healthcare system, the research will explore the practical challenges, opportunities and delivery considerations involved in moving towards a risk-stratified approach to breast screening. This will include questions about workforce, digital infrastructure, communication, inequalities, trust and the wider impact on breast cancer pathways.
“Breast screening is such an important area for future policy and service development, so we are very pleased to be working with Breast Cancer Now on this project. There is growing interest in more personalised approaches to screening, but the key challenge is understanding what would be needed to make them workable in practice. By bringing together expert voices from across the system, this policy research will help explore the practical conditions, delivery models and safeguards that would need to be in place for risk-stratified breast screening to be feasible, equitable and trusted.”
Need support with your own social research?
Whether you’re a public body, charity, or organisation looking to understand your audience, evaluate impact, or inform future strategies, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with the team todayvia our ‘Get in touch’ form below to see how our expert researchers can support your goals. Alternatively, you can email the team at info@melresearch.co.uk.
We are pleased to be working with the MS Society on new health and care social research exploring how health and care services can better support people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and help reduce avoidable hospital admissions.
The health and care social research study will focus on opportunities for earlier intervention and more coordinated, preventative support, while recognising that hospital admission is sometimes clinically necessary. It will…
Last week, I had the opportunity to speak at Collections Inside & Out, a symposium hosted at National Trust Chirk Castle & Garden, bringing together people working across gardens, horticulture, heritage, collections and interpretation.
I was, perhaps, a slight interloper among so many people with deep horticultural expertise but every presentation was incredibly interesting and I learned a lot – and broadly managed to follow the general flow of what was being said (still not 100% au fait with taxa…
We’re pleased to share that our Commercial Director, Elliot Simmonds, will be speaking at the Collections Inside & Out symposium at National Trust Chirk Castle & Garden on 24 September 2026. Bringing together professionals working across heritage collections, gardens and landscapes, the symposium will explore the relationship between indoor and outdoor heritage and the opportunities created by thinking about them as part of a connected visitor experience.
Elliot’s session, “Integrating Indoor…
M·E·L Research has been named the winner of the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Social Value & Ethical Research 2026 at the UK Enterprise Awards.
The award recognises the values that shape both the work we choose to undertake and the way we deliver it. From building trauma-informed practices into our research to improving inclusion and reinvesting in the communities around us, social responsibility is part of how we operate every day.
M·E·L Research joined the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) at the House of Lords this week for the launch of a new report exploring the experiences of dyslexic young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET).
Tamsin Maries, Senior Research Manager, and Elliot Simmonds, Commercial Manager, represented M·E·L Research at the event…
New UK-wide research from M·E·L Research’s SPARK report shows improving mental health indicators alongside continuing exposure to suicide, widespread lifetime suicidal thoughts and significant gaps in practical knowledge.
Suicide prevention depends on understanding not only how many people are affected, but also how confident the public feel about recognising risk, starting difficult conversations and finding appropriate support. The Spring 2026 SPARK report from M·E·L Research brings these issues together, providing a detailed picture of attitudes…
M·E·L Research is pleased to be supporting the Diocese of Manchester with an independent consultation to help inform its future leadership. The research will provide opportunities for people connected with diocesan life, as well as members of the wider community, to share their perspectives on the local context, priorities for the years ahead and the qualities that will be important in future leadership.
Across Europe, we have seen devastating wildfires destroy homes, habitats and communities. They offer us a powerful analogy for how we think about suicide prevention.
When a fire is raging, everything must be done to put it out. Firefighters, emergency services and communities mobilise to save lives. But even when the fire is eventually extinguished, enormous damage may already have been done, and recovery can take years. That is why fire services don’t only fight fires. They also invest in prevention: identifying risks, educating people, installing smoke alarms, creating fire breaks and trying to stop…
