Overview

People with lower socioeconomic status or migrant backgrounds face higher cancer risks. They are also the least likely to join screening programs or research. This leads to major health gaps and lower efficiency in healthcare systems. Many are less aware of screening, receive less support in making informed choices, and often stop at the first step of the screening pathway.

Digital tools help with reach and communication, but current solutions do not meet the specific needs of these groups. INSIDERS addresses this problem.

Our aim

We develop digital tools that support informed decision-making and improve engagement in cancer screening. We also help these groups take part in research. The project focuses on practical support along the entire screening pathway.

What we build

We create a mobile health application designed together with underserved communities, healthcare professionals, and researchers across several countries. The app enhances access to screening for colorectal, breast, cervical, lung, gastric, and prostate cancer. It also simplifies data collection and helps recruit participants for research.

Key objectives

• Map barriers that make screening and research participation difficult and identify ways to overcome them.

• Co-develop an mHealth application with citizens, professionals, and researchers through structured sessions.

• Integrate features that support clear communication, informed decision-making, and simple ways to take part in research.

• Pilot the application in real screening programs from invitation to follow-up diagnostics.

• Evaluate usability, effectiveness, and engagement across countries.

How it works

• We investigate the main barriers through literature review and interviews with underserved individuals and key stakeholders.

• We run co-creation sessions in three countries to design the mHealth application.

• We conduct usability testing with citizens and professionals.

• We prepare conditions for implementation with policymakers and screening organizations.

• We carry out a pilot that follows users through the screening journey and track how the digital tools support them.

Expected results

• A clear overview of the most common barriers to participation.

• A set of effective strategies to reach and support underserved groups.

• A fully developed mHealth application with accessible design, strong security, and a solid backend.

• Better participation in screening among underserved communities.

• Better integration of these groups into cancer research.

• A scalable approach that works across different countries and health systems.

Impact

INSIDERS strengthens equity in cancer screening by supporting people who are often left behind. The project improves informed decision-making, increases engagement, and supports more effective screening and research across Europe.

This work was supported by a grant of the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitization, CNCS/CCCDI - UEFISCDI, project number COFUND-THCS-INSIDERS, within PNCDI IV.