Accessibility of at-home bowel cancer screening

At-home cancer screening kits offer a convenient, proactive approach to health monitoring, but are they accessible to everyone? In a recent review, we explored the accessibility of at-home bowel cancer screening from the perspective of those with visual impairments. The results reveal both the benefits and the challenges, raising questions about how inclusive and user-friendly these kits really are. Cancer screening kits should be accessible to all.

Accessibility barriers in at-home screening kits

Upon receiving a screening kit, it quickly becomes apparent that the design doesn’t consider those with visual impairments. Malcom, who we discussed this kit with, is sight impaired and uses residual vision to navigate the kit. For those with no or less remaining vision, their experience would be increasingly difficult. The label’s print is minuscule, making it nearly impossible to identify who the kit is for if there are multiple users in a household. The instructions require very close reading, which can be frustrating or impractical for users with low vision.

Navigating the kit

After opening the kit, various components have transparent elements, which can be camouflaged and difficult to distinguish. The tube blends into the contents, making it challenging to identify and separate it from the other items in the box.

For Malcom, reading the initial instructions on the kit’s lid is manageable only when the box is brought very close to the face. This creates an immediate barrier to independent use.

Testing without assistance

One of the most significant obstacles with the kit is completing the test without assistance. Writing the sample date on the tube or gathering a sample without contamination can be extremely challenging. The kit has small, intricate parts, combined with vague tactile cues. These make handling it a delicate operation, one that may leave visually impaired people feeling dependent on others to help avoid contamination or mistakes. This raises important questions regarding peoples’ right to privacy.

The packaging complicates the return process. The sample needs to be sealed in a specific envelope with intricate sealing mechanisms that are far from intuitive. The lack of accessible design could deter people from completing the screening, and may even cause people to contact a healthcare professional for help, which undermines the purpose of these kits.

A call for accessibility in health screening

The importance of cancer screening is undeniable, and the availability of at-home kits can be a tremendous benefit. However, without accessibility features, such as larger print, high-contrast labels, or Braille instructions, many face unnecessary obstacles that limit their ability to complete these tests independently, making the goal of cancer screening kit accessible elusive for many.

Improving these designs isn’t just a matter of convenience; it’s about equity. Health screenings should be available and accessible to everyone, regardless of physical or sensory limitations. Manufacturers have an opportunity to empower all users to take control of their health, independently and confidently.

Moving forward: designing for inclusivity

At-home screening kits represent a positive step toward more accessible healthcare, but the design falls short for visually impaired individuals. Empowering all people to take charge of their health is crucial, and the first step toward this goal is by addressing these barriers.

If these challenges sound familiar, or if you know someone who has faced similar barriers, it’s time we amplify this conversation. We can advocate for accessible health solutions that truly meet everyone’s needs, ensuring no one is left behind in their pursuit of health and well-being by making cancer screening kit accessible.