Women with learning disabilities 'missing out' on cancer screening

The latest statistics reveal that only around one in four – 26.5 percent – of those eligible attended their appointment.

That is significantly lower than the 65.4 percent uptake rate within the rest of the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde population – which in turn is one of the lowest uptake rates in Scotland.

The Glasgow Times Don’t Fear the Smear campaign aims to tackle this by raising awareness of the importance of screening. Each year in Scotland, 95 women die from cervical cancer, although the disease is largely preventable.

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NHSGGC is hoping to improve access to screening for cervical and other cancers with its Inequalities Sensitive Practice Project.

Clare Smith, who is leading the new scheme, said: “It is unfair that people with learning disabilities are missing out on cancer screening.

“We know cancer screening can detect cervical cancer, breast cancer and bowel cancer earlier, making treatment more effective.  We believe that improving access will see more positive outcomes for people with learning disabilities.”

She added: “We are aware of the barriers people with learning disabilities experience when accessing cancer screening such as lack of accessible information, time constraints and even lack of awareness that the screening is available.

“An important step in taking action to address a key barrier is ensuring people with learning disabilities are aware they can ask for some additional support to attend screening appointments - for example, asking for longer appointment times, a quiet place to wait or the first appointment at the clinic.”

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Women with learning disabilities can also have a family member or support worker accompany them to and during the appointment.

“There are many more adjustments which can be made depending on each person’s circumstances,” says Clare.

“We’re asking people with learning disabilities, parents and carers to be aware if they have missed or are due a screening appointment. Their GP practice can advise when they are due and help them to book an appointment.”

An easy read leaflet about smear tests is available on the Public Health Scotland website.

Cheryl Pollock, 37 from Glasgow’s East End, has a learning disability and is keen to share her story to help others.

Cheryl Pollock (Image: NHSGGC)

“I went for my cervical screening, and I was nervous as I get panicky,” she said.

“It was the thought of the tools that they use that was frightening me. I took my soft toy to hold, and the doctor was really patient with me. The team were all really nice and I’m glad that I did it.”

She added: “Regardless of whether you have a learning disability or not, you should go for any screening test when you’re invited. It is the best way to early detect cancers that could take your life. Why leave it to chance?”

For more information about screening programs, visit the NHSGGC website.