Northamptonshire (West)

Why it matters to support reluctant service-users with MECC  

• NHS screening (e.g., cervical, breast, bowel, diabetic eye, AAA, pregnancy) help detect problems early.
• Some people decline due to fear, misunderstanding, cultural beliefs, or incorrect information.

ASK – Start the Conversation

• Notice cues (hesitation, questions).
• Use open questions: “What are your thoughts about the screening invitation?”
• “What’s your understanding of the screening offer?”
• Create a safe, non-judgmental space.

ASSESS – Explore Support Options

• Understand barriers: fear, low confidence, cultural beliefs, previous experiences, low health literacy.
• Check readiness to talk; avoid overload: “Is this a good time to talk about it?”

ACT – Encourage Small Next Steps

• Explain simply: purpose, benefits of early detection, what the test/check involves, what happens next.
• Correct misinformation gently.
• Encourage informed choice — not pressure.
• Reassure about privacy, dignity, and safety.

Conversation tips

• Validate feelings: “It’s completely normal to feel unsure, many people do.”
• Keep explanations simple; avoid jargon.
• Use culturally sensitive language and respect beliefs.
• Offer interpreters or translated materials if helpful.
• Provide leaflets or links if helpful.

Resources

• NHS screening
• Local MECC training & Health Literacy tools (WNC Public Health).
• NHS screening information leaflets (breast, cervical, bowel, AAA, diabetic eye, pregnancy).
• Signposting to GP practices, screening helplines, and community support services.

Further information

You can watch animations about NHS screening:

• (1) What is screening? - YouTube

• female lifetime NHS screening pathway (Youtube)

• male lifetime NHS screening pathway (Youtube)

Screening programmes in England

Diabetic eye screening

• From the age of 12, all people with diabetes are offered regular diabetic eye screeningto check for early signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Cervical screening

• Cervical screeningis offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 to check the health of cells in the cervix. It is offered every 3 years for those aged 25 to 49, and every 5 years from the ages of 50 to 64.

Breast screening

• Breast screeningis offered to women aged 50 to 70 to detect early signs of breast cancer. Women over 70 can self refer.

Bowel cancer screening

• Everyone aged 50 to 74 is offered a bowel cancer screeninghome test kit every 2 years.
• If you're 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every 2 years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening

• AAA screeningis offered to men when they turn 65 to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms (a dangerous swelling in the aorta). Men over 65 can self-refer.

Screening in pregnancy

The screening tests offered in pregnancy are:

• screening for hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis(infectious diseases)
• screening for Down's syndrome, Patau's syndrome and Edwards' syndrome
• screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia
• 20-week screening scanto check the physical development of the baby
• diabetic eye screening– available if you are pregnant and have type 1 or type 2 diabetes

Screening for newborn babies

• a physical examination, which includes the eyes, heart, hips and testicles
• hearing screening
• a blood spot testto check if the baby has any of 9 rare conditions