Prof Jo Waller

Jo Waller is Professor Cancer Behavioural Science in the Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). She co-leads the Screening, Prevention and Epidemiology Unit and is deputy director of the Cancer Prevention Trials Unit, both in the Centre for Cancer Screening, Prevention and Early Diagnosis. With a background in health psychology, Jo has worked for over 25 years in the field of cancer prevention, screening and early diagnosis, at UCL, King’s College London and, since 2023, QMUL. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, her team’s research aims to understand the acceptability, uptake and psychological impact of cancer screening, with a cross-cutting interest in social inequalities. Current work focuses on novel innovations including risk-stratification, HPV self-sampling and the use of AI in breast screening, as well as new screening technologies like the capsule sponge test for oesophageal cancer and multi-cancer early detection tests. Jo works closely with the NHS national screening programmes and is a member of the UK National Screening Committee’s Research and Methodology Group. She receives research funding from Cancer Research UK, NIHR, Breast Cancer Now and GRAIL Bio UK.

Keynote Presentation - Behavioural science and cancer screening: acceptability, uptake and psychological impact 

The lifetime risk of a cancer diagnosis for adults in the UK born in 1961 has been estimated to be almost 1 in 2. Only just over half of cancers are diagnosed at an early stage when treatment is more successful; a long way from the 75% target. In an effort to boost early diagnosis, much effort is currently going into the development of new screening technologies to pick up cancer, or its precursors, before symptoms appear.

In this talk, I will showcase behavioural science work that has complemented these technological developments. This includes studies to better understand the acceptability of existing and new approaches to cancer screening, reasons for non-participation, and the psychological impact of receiving screening results that need further investigation. The longstanding cervical screening programme will be used as a case study, illustrating the ongoing role of behavioural science research as the programme has developed and evolved. I will also highlight newer developments in cancer screening technology where behavioural science is needed alongside clinical research to understand psychological and behavioural issues and ensure that any future implementation is acceptable, equitable and well-communicated.