Student's toolkit for cancer screenings

Website supports those with intellectual disabilities

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A University of Stirling graduate has created an online toolkit to encourage adults with intellectual disabilities to access cancer screenings.

Catherine White, who will this week graduate with a Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology, used a grant from the university to set up See My Health.

The website, due to be launched later this summer, will initially assist people with intellectual disabilities who are attending cervical screening appointments.

It is hoped additional sections can later be added for people with intellectual disabilities attending other cancer screenings and general health appointments.

Catherine said: “See My Health is an idea which resulted from my research project. During focus groups with women with intellectual disabilities, I identified opportunities where psychological theory and intervention could support with increasing their engagement with cervical cancer screening services.

“The toolkit will support people to become active decision makers in relation to their health and wellbeing.

“There will also be optional physical products - keyrings and stickers - which will act as a prompt for individuals to use the toolkit during appointments.