The University of Hertfordshire conducted a feasibility study exploring the British Islamic Medical Association’s (BIMA) culturally adapted, “faith-placed” educational intervention aimed at increasing the uptake of bowel cancer screening in Muslim communities. The results suggested that the intervention was more effective than conventional cancer screening campaigns in conveying the health message.

Authors: Daksha Trivedi, Daksha, Salman Waqar, Claire Thompson, Nigel Smeeton, Julia Varnes, Sadia Begum, Emilia Tylenda

Key points of the report:

• The context of the study: Differences in accessing preventative healthcare services result in avoidable inequalities in health outcomes among certain population groups – in the context of bowel cancer screening, South Asian and Muslim populations appear less likely to participate in these preventative measures compared with White and Christian groups. This can lead to significant health inequalities, potentially resulting in delayed diagnoses and reduced treatment success.
• The aim of the study was to evaluate the accessibility and acceptability of a faith-placed culturally tailored intervention developed by BIMA to increase the uptake of bowel cancer screening in South Asian Muslim communities. The project was conducted in selected mosques in Luton and Peterborough.
• Findings demonstrated that the educational intervention has a positive impact on participants’ understanding and attitudes towards bowel cancer screening. The data suggested it was more effective than conventional cancer screening campaigns and that mosques were seen as more accessible venues than traditional healthcare settings. This highlights the potential of culturally tailored health initiatives in addressing health inequalities among minority populations.
• Among participants who had not taken part in screening previously, those who attended an intervention session were more likely to complete bowel cancer screening in the following 2 years. Interestingly, findings suggested that women were generally less likely to participate in screening compared to men.
• The research highlighted key barriers to cancer screening in the Muslim community. These include language challenges and literacy issues, dependency on family members, a lack of understanding of preventative screening, and religious fatalism which might influence a person’s proactive health-seeking behaviour.

The research report gives an overview of the project and its findings along with recommendations for future research projects involving Muslim communities.

Find out more about this research on the project website.

This project demonstrates the potential of faith-based, culturally tailored health initiatives to address health inequalities and improve access to preventative care. By leveraging community spaces like mosques and providing accessible, relevant education, BIMA has shown how culturally sensitive approaches can lead to meaningful change.

As we continue to work toward equitable healthcare access, these findings reinforce the importance of community-driven solutions. Together, we can ensure that preventative healthcare services reach all corners of our society.