Enhancing the accessibility of population-based cancer screening: insights from co-creation on a screening portal and a combined screening programme

Introduction Population-based cancer screening programmes facilitate early cancer detection, thereby contributing to reduced cancer-related morbidity and mortality. However, participation rates have declined in recent years, with lower uptake particularly evident among invitees in vulnerable positions. This decline can be partly attributed to information that is insufficiently tailored to individual needs and literacy levels, and to the fragmented nature of the screening offer. To address these barriers, this study explored two strategies: (1) developing a personalised screening portal presenting information in an accessible and tailored manner, and (2) improving the alignment and potential integration of screening programmes. Methods Four co-creation sessions were conducted with 13 screening invitees and eight experts in cancer screening and human factors engineering. Two sessions focused on prototyping a screening portal and two explored the potential for combined screening. Sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically using inductive coding. Results Invitees and experts emphasised the need for a digital portal offering concise, empathetic, personalised, and phase-specific information. Invitees perceived added value in combined screening, whereas experts considered organising all screenings at a single location and time to be infeasible in the current context. Both groups agreed that integrating information provision across programmes would be valuable and feasible. Discussion These findings suggest that integrating information across screening programmes is a meaningful and achievable step towards improving accessibility and supporting informed decision-making, particularly for invitees in vulnerable positions.