Interactive or tailored digital interventions to increase uptake in cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screening to reduce health inequity: a systematic review

Abstract

Background and objectives Significant health inequities exist in screening uptake for certain types of cancer. The review question was to identify and describe interactive, tailored digital, computer, and web-based interventions to reduce health inequity in cancer screening and review the effectiveness of such interventions in increasing screening rates versus usual care. MethodsWe searched four medical literature databases for randomized control trials (RCTs) published until 12 January 2023 that evaluated interventions aimed at increasing the percentage of breast, prostate, cervical, or colorectal cancer screening uptake. Meta-analysis was not conducted due to heterogeneity among studies. ResultsAfter screening 4200 titles and abstracts, 17 studies were included. Studies focused on colorectal (n = 10), breast (n = 4), cervical (n = 2), and prostate (n = 1) cancer screening. All were based in the USA except two. Most studies focused on ethnicity/race, while some included low-income populations. Intervention types were heterogeneous and used computer programs, apps, or web-based methods to provide tailored or interactive information to participants about screening risks and options. Some studies found positive effects for increasing cancer screening uptake in the intervention groups compared to usual care, but results were heterogeneous. ConclusionInterventions that use individual and cultural tailoring of cancer screening educational material should be further developed and investigated outside of the USA. Designing effective digital intervention strategies, with components that can be adapted to remote delivery may be an important strategy for reducing health inequities in cancer screening during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Pancreatic Cancer Health Disparity: Pharmacologic Anthropology

“…Developing culturally appropriate educational materials and community outreach programs can help raise awareness, dispel myths, and promote early detection and screening for PCa within diverse populations. Collaborating with community leaders, organizations, and healthcare providers can help build trust, address cultural beliefs, and improve access to PCa information and services [83]. Healthcare providers should receive training in cultural competence to enhance communication, understanding, and engagement with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.…”