Screening the Neighbourhoods: Increasing Participation in Cancer Screening

Screening the Neighbourhoods (StN) is a ZonMw-funded research project that aims to reduce health inequalities and increase equal opportunities in participation in population-based cancer screening programmes. In neighbourhoods with low participation rates in The Hague, many women, including those with practical educational backgrounds, migrant backgrounds, limited Dutch language proficiency, low socioeconomic status or limited health literacy, are not adequately reached for cervical and breast cancer screening. Standard invitation letters are often not read or understood. The project explores how all women can be reached so they can make an informed decision about whether or not to participate in these screening programmes.

Cancer does not discriminate. Anyone can develop cancer. If we want to reduce health inequalities, we need to improve access to preventive healthcare for everyone.

- Anita Ham

Project Background

In several neighbourhoods in The Hague, participation in breast and cervical cancer screening programmes remains low. Standard communication often fails to reach women whose language skills, educational background or health literacy differ from those assumed in the invitation process. Screening the Neighbourhoods investigates these barriers and develops approaches that make screening programmes more accessible, understandable and inclusive.

Objective

To reduce health inequalities by enabling more women to make an informed choice about participating in breast and cervical cancer screening programmes.

Target Group

Women with a migrant background, women with a low socioeconomic status (SES), and women with limited health literacy living in neighbourhoods in The Hague with low participation rates in population-based cancer screening programmes.

Method

The Power of the Community

Screening the Neighbourhoods uses participatory action research to identify barriers to participation in cancer screening programmes and to develop practical interventions that improve access and support informed decision-making. Women, community leaders, community health workers and local organisations work together to create solutions tailored to the needs of women living in neighbourhoods with low screening participation. This community-based approach makes health communication more accessible, understandable and relevant.

Results

Through its community-based approach, the project has developed a range of interventions that improve access to cancer screening information. These include train-the-trainer programmes, public awareness campaigns, multilingual videos and communication materials that can be shared through social media and community networks. Together, these interventions help women make well-informed decisions about participating in cancer screening.

• View the report Enhancing Participation in Population Based Cancer Screening

Impact

Screening the Neighbourhoods brings together research, education and societal impact. For more than two years, the project has been embedded within the educational programmes of The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Students in the Oncology minor work alongside researchers, local residents and community organisations, generating valuable insights while increasing awareness among students, women in the community and policymakers. The project has attracted growing interest from healthcare organisations, the Municipal Health Service (GGD), Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland, ZonMw, RIVM, the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, and healthcare and medical education programmes. Twice a year, students present their findings during a mini symposium at HMC Antoniushove Hospital in Leidschendam.

Duration

2023 – 2025

Funding

ZonMw

Collaboration

The Centre of Expertise Governance of Urban Transitions and the Centre of Expertise Health Innovation at The Hague University of Applied Sciences collaborate with women, community leaders and community health workers in neighbourhoods across The Hague, as well as with TNO, Mammarosa, Amman Doctors, Suikerhuis and Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC).

Team

Senior researcher dr. Anita Ham is involved through the research group on Urban Social Development and the research group on Relational Care.

Contact

dr. Anita Ham
Senior Researcher
[email protected]