Challenges of assessing acceptability in the context of cancer screening: a behavioral science perspective

In response to an increased focus on acceptability research in healthcare, this perspective paper highlights the challenges of assessing acceptability and the need for, and importance of, further work to develop best practice guidelines for evaluating the acceptability of cancer screening. We report the results of a rapid consultation consensus survey carried out to explore the extent of conceptual, methodological, and translational challenges shared by those involved in assessing the acceptability of cancer screening. Our findings demonstrate that the current lack of consensus regarding the conceptualization and definition of acceptability is a key challenge which gives rise to further methodological and translational issues. The implications of the challenges experienced by those assessing the acceptability of cancer screening are discussed from a behavioral science perspective.