‘I think it depends how it’s done’: a qualitative study of screening attendees’ perspectives on receiving physical activity advice within UK NHS cancer screening programmes

TL;DR

This study explores how cancer screening attendees in the UK feel about receiving physical activity advice during their appointments and how it might affect their future screening participation.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into how communication style and timing influence receptivity to physical activity advice during cancer screening.

Findings

Participants felt physical activity advice during cancer screening could be relevant.

Anxiety during screening can either increase or decrease receptivity to advice.

Judgmental communication styles may deter future screening participation.

Abstract

Cancer screening appointments are an opportunity to encourage positive behavioural changes. Up to 80% of cancer screening attendees are open to discussing physical activity during cancer screening, but some say this would deter them from future screening. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of individuals’ receptivity to physical activity advice at cancer screening.

Interview-based qualitative study.

The study was conducted from May 2017 to September 2018 in the UK. Participants were recruited using adverts on two university campuses, Facebook and a participant recruitment agency. To be eligible, participants had to have an upcoming cancer screening appointment within 2 weeks. There were 30 participants.

Participants recorded their receptivity to physical activity advice in the days before and after screening. Data-prompted semi-structured interviews explored these responses. Interviews were analysed using a thematic framework analysis.

Participants felt discussing physical activity at cancer screening would be relevant. However, participants experienced anxiety related to the screening process which could increase or decrease their receptivity. Participants felt if information was delivered in a judgemental way, it could negatively impact future screening participation.

Screening attendees’ receptivity could be influenced by the timing of a discussion and by their levels of anxiety throughout screening. Participants’ anxiety during screening can either reduce their ability to engage in a discussion or increase the relevance of the discussion. The communication style of the healthcare practitioner was key for why some screening attendees could be deterred from future cancer screening.