By Dr Mairéad O’Connor, Research Officer, National Screening Service
We looked at our research from 2023 and 2024 to see what has changed in terms of how people think about our 4 national screening programmes – BreastCheck, BowelScreen, CervicalCheck and Diabetic RetinaScreen.
About this research
This research was carried out using online surveys with adults living in Ireland who are eligible for our screening programmes, including parents of children eligible for diabetic eye screening. It looked at people’s awareness of each programme, what motivates them to take part and what might prevent them taking part.
Screening seen as more important
More people now say screening is important:
- Bowel screening: 96% in 2024; 86% in 2023
- Breast screening: 93% in 2024; 73% in 2023
- Cervical screening: 65% in 2024; 66% in 2023
- Diabetic Retina screening: 59% in 2024; 50% in 2023.
Trust in testing has improved
Fewer people say they do not trust how samples are tested:
- Bowel screening: 11% in 2024; 19% in 2023
- Breast screening: 16% in 2024; 29% in 2023
- Cervical screening: 13% in 2024; 38% in 2023.
Fear is still a barrier
Fear of find something wrong is still the main reason people say would stop them from taking part in screening:
- Bowel screening: 55% in 2024; 46% in 2023
- Breast screening: 52% in 2024; 59% in 2023
- Cervical screening: 19% in 2024; 48% in 2023
- Diabetic retina screening: 45% in 2024; and 36% in 2023.
Peace of mind drives participation
Peace of mind continues to motivate people to take part in screening:
- Bowel screening: 72% in 2024; 59% in 2023
- Breast screening: 71% in 2024; 54% in 2023
- Cervical screening: 62% in 2024; 48% in 2023
- Diabetic retina screening: 44% in 2024; 47% in 2023.
Conclusion
Overall, attitudes towards screening improved in 2024 across all programmes. We will continue to raise awareness and provide clear, reassuring information to help reduce fear and support people to make informed decisions about taking part.
- The 2023 survey was carried out by Empathy Research, and the 2024 survey by Core Research, on behalf of the HSE National Screening Service.
- We would like to thank CSTAR at UCD for their support with analysing the data.