CN41 - The RES-project, an on-going intervention aimed at increasing breast cancer screening attendance, among socioeconomically challenged groups

Background

Breast cancer screening attendance is generally high in Sweden but varies significantly between the different geographic areas of Stockholm (with approximately 2,3 million citizens). These differences may contribute to regional inequalities related to breast cancer diagnosis and outcomes.

The Regional cancer center, Stockholm Gotland (RCC), is committed to the reduction of all types of cancer-related inequalities. Using service design, we found that most women in areas with low screening attendance, more often than not, use public transport to travel to/from the mammography clinics. The travelling cost was however a hindrance for attendance.

Methods

Since March 2024, women who were invited to attend screening (in accordance with the national, population-based breast cancer screening program for women 40-74 years old), within two geographic areas of Stockholm (with historically low attendance), were offered free public transport to/from the screening clinic. An estimated 8000 women will be included in the one-year intervention. Attendance rates will be compared, both pre-post intervention as well as between the intervention- and other geographic areas, with similar demography. The participants experiences (related to the intervention itself, as well as possible hinders and motivating factors) are evaluated throughout the intervention, via an anonymous digital survey. Health economical evaluations will also be completed. The intervention (initiated and lead by cancer nurses in partnership with peer-to-peer advisor coordinator and medical expert) is a collaboration between the RCC, the Mammography clinic at Capio S:t Göran’s hospital, Stockholm’s public transport and Strålfors AB (postal service). The intervention is funded by the RCC and The EU Joint Action Prevent NCD.

Results

Hopefully free transport to the screening clinic will contribute to higher attendance in breast cancer screening. At the conference, we will share experiences from the first six month of the intervention, based on the reports from the participating women as well as early trends in attendance levels.

Conclusions

Offering free public transport might be a strategy to increase participation in breast cancer screening. Therefore, robust evaluation from on-going project is essential.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

L. Sharp.

Funding

RCC and The EU Joint Action Prevent NCD.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.