Abstract
Objective: To review the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to promote attendance to breast and cervical cancer screening among lower socioeconomic groups. Methods: We performed a computerized literature search looking for relevant papers published between 1997 and 2006. Papers were classified into three groups based on the type of intervention evaluated: (1) implementation of organized population screening programs; (2) different strategies of enhancing attendance within an organized program; (3) local interventions in disadvantaged populations. Results: The available evidence supports the hypothesis that while organized population screening programs are successful in increasing overall participation rates, they may not per se substantially reduce social inequalities. Some strategies were consistently found to enhance access to screening among lower socioeconomic groups, including cost-reducing interventions (e.g. offering free tests and eliminating geographical barriers), a greater involvement of primary-care physicians and individually tailored pro-active communication that addresses barriers to screening. Conclusions: Evidence from studies suggests that the attendance of deprived women to cancer screening can be improved with organized screening programs tailored to their needs. The same may apply to the prevention of adverse outcomes of other health conditions, such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 159-164 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Preventive medicine |
Volume | 50 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2010 |
Keywords
- Breast cancer
- Mass screening
- Program evaluation
- Race
- Review
- Socioeconomic factors
- Uterine cervical cancer