Recipient organisationNIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre
NIHR supportRecorded as supported by this research centre
PeriodJan 2025 — Ongoing
In plain English
AI plain-English summary
A single blood test that could spot multiple cancers early is being trialled in the NHS, but researchers do not yet know whether South Asian communities in Greater Manchester would trust or use it. This study addresses a blind spot in cancer screening. The NHS Galleri trial is evaluating Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests, which detect cancer signals from a blood sample before symptoms appear. But the trial’s findings may not apply equally across all populations. Cultural beliefs, language barriers, and varying health literacy can shape whether people take up a new test. South Asian communities in the UK have higher rates of certain cancers and lower screening uptake, yet their views on MCED tests have not been studied. The researchers will conduct one-on-one interviews with 40–75 year-olds from South Asian backgrounds, recruited through community and faith groups. Interpreters will be available for non-English speakers. The goal is to identify what people know about MCED tests, what concerns they have, and how the tests could be offered in a way that feels culturally appropriate. If the findings are used, they could help NHS screening programmes design communication and delivery strategies that reach South Asian populations effectively—preventing the new technology from widening existing inequalities in cancer outcomes.
View original technical description
Background: Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests, currently being evaluated in the NHS Galleri trial, offer promising advancements in early cancer detection by screening for multiple types of cancer through a single blood test. Early detection can significantly improve cancer outcomes, but access, acceptability, and understanding of these tests within ethnic minority populations may present unique challenges. Cultural beliefs, language barriers, and varying healthcare literacy levels can impact engagement with new tests like MCEDs. This study seeks to fill a critical gap in understanding the perspectives, knowledge, and attitudes of South Asian individuals regarding MCED testing and to explore ways to implement these technologies equitably. Research Questions: 1. What is the level of understanding of MCED tests among South Asian communities? 2. How do attitudes toward cancer and cancer screening influence the acceptability of MCED tests in this population? 3. What are the perceived benefits and challenges of MCED access and implementation? 4. How can MCED screening be implemented equitably and in a culturally sensitive manner for South Asian populations? Methods: This qualitative study will use one-on-one interviews with South Asian individuals recruited through purposive sampling from local community and faith groups in Greater Manchester. Eligibility criteria: · Age 40 and 75 · Have not been diagnosed with or treated for cancer in the past three years Sampling will aim to capture a range of ages, gender identities, educational backgrounds, and length of residence in the UK to understand how these factors shape perspectives. Face-to-face interviews will be conducted at agreed locations, and interpreters will be provided for non-English speakers to ensure that linguistic barriers do not restrict participation. Demographic information will be collected at the start of each interview. Audio recordings will be transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis to identify common themes around knowledge, cultural values, and practical considerations for implementation.
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