SP 3.14 Culturally Tailored Interventions to Improve Bowel Cancer Screening Uptake Among Ethnic Minority Populations in the United Kingdom: A Scoping Review
Farzana Rahman, Ahmar Ahmad, Madura Nanthakumaran, Rebecca Lefroy, Philip VargheseAbstract
Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening reduces CRC-related mortality through earlier diagnosis; however, uptake remains disproportionately low among ethnic minority populations in the United Kingdom, contributing to later-stage presentation and poorer surgical outcomes. Despite advocacy for culturally tailored approaches, the extent and nature of UK-based evidence have not been comprehensively mapped.
Methods
A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidance. A librarian-led search of Ovid MEDLINE and Embase was performed from inception to November 2025. UK-based studies examining barriers, facilitators, or interventions aimed at improving CRC screening uptake among ethnic minority populations were eligible. Of 241 studies identified, nine were included after deduplication and screening. Data were charted and synthesised thematically.
Results
Nine studies were included, comprising qualitative, quantitative observational analyses, and community-based intervention evaluations. Barriers to CRC screening included low awareness, embarrassment and culturally mediated stigma, communication difficulties and a persistent intention-behaviour gap. Healthcare professional endorsement consistently emerged as a key facilitator of screening uptake. Community-based educational interventions demonstrated marked improvements in screening knowledge and willingness to participate, with individual studies reporting increases in awareness from under 40% to approximately 95%.
Conclusion
Low CRC screening uptake among ethnic minority populations in the UK appears driven by interconnected cultural, emotional, and structural barriers inadequately addressed by standard invitation approaches. Although culturally tailored interventions show promise, evidence remains limited by small-scale evaluations, heterogeneous outcome measures, and a limited long-term follow-up. Future research should prioritise robust evaluation of scalable, culturally responsive interventions within NHS screening pathways to address persistent inequalities.