Better understanding of screening
3.39 People invited to participate in screening programmes need to understand the potential benefit and harm in doing so to be able to make an informed choice about whether or not they wish to proceed. Screening needs to be accessible and sensitive to people's needs.
3.40 Information provided to those invited must be honest, comprehensive and understandable to its audience. Written information on its own is not enough. The issues are complex and different people find different approaches more helpful. Research is underway to assess what information women want about the breast and cervical screening programmes and the best way to give them that information. For example, the Cancer Research Campaign's Primary Care Unit is undertaking research on women's understanding of breast screening. And the NHS Prostate Cancer Programme sets out new initiatives to improve men's understanding of the benefit and limitations of PSA testing.
3.41 Many local screening programmes expend enormous effort and time developing their own information leaflets. Whilst some are excellent, others do not have access to latest research and expertise. So we will introduce new national information sources, which all screening programmes will be required to use. The development of the information will be overseen by the Advisory Committees on Breast and Cervical Screening and the National Cancer Director.
3.42 The screening process does not end with the screening test. Many women never receive the results of their smear test in writing. This is contrary to stated recommendations for good practice. The NHS Plan sets out proposals to empower patients by making available to them copies of all letters about their care sent to their GP. The same principle should apply to women undergoing cervical screening.
