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.”
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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.
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