Exploring the influence of rural residence on uptake of organized cancer screening - A systematic review of international literature

Evaluating digital nudge interventions for the promotion of cancer screening behavior: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Public adherence to cancer screening remains low and is influenced by both rational and non-rational factors, including decision biases that underestimate screening benefits. Digital nudge interventions have shown promise in promoting screening behaviors among at-risk populations, but systematic evidence is still lacking. This study aims to synthesize the effects of digital nudge interventions on promoting cancer screening behaviors in high-risk individuals.

METHODS

A systematic search of 10 electronic databases was conducted, and studies published before April 1, 2024, were included. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of digital nudge interventions on cancer screening behavior with those of a control group and reported at least one outcome. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Data on cancer screening uptake rates were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed for cancer types, intervention media, delivery conditions, and sensitivity. The study identified digital nudge strategies via the MINDSPACE framework and explored their influence on screening behavior through the HSM.

RESULTS

Of the 14 randomized controlled trials included, 10 reported statistically significant results. The types of interventions in these studies were heterogeneous and available across multiple delivery channels based on the web, computer programmes, DVDs, telephones, patient navigation, or apps that tailored or served interactive information to participants to better understand screening risks and options. A random-effects model showed that digital nudge intervention strategies significantly improved adherence to cancer screening behavior (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.35-2.44, p < 0.001). Differences between cancer types, intervention media, and delivery conditions were noted. Based on the MINDSPACE framework and HSM, eight nudge strategies were designed to promote screening behaviors, with the most common being the default strategy (n = 9). Most nudge tools were designed to leverage unconscious System 1 thinking, aiming to influence behavior in a more spontaneous and subtle way.

CONCLUSIONS

While digital nudge interventions have demonstrated significant positive effects in promoting early cancer screening participation among high-risk individuals, their impact varies. More robust research is needed to address methodological limitations and facilitate broader adoption and application of these interventions.

Lung Cancer Screening in Family Members and Peers of Patients With Lung Cancer: Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening is promising for the early detection of lung cancer (LC) and the reduction of LC-related mortality. Despite the implementation of LC screening programs worldwide, recruitment is challenging. While recruitment for LC screening is based on physician referrals and mass advertising, novel recruitment strategies are needed to improve the enrollment of high-risk individuals into LC screening.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to identify whether patients with LC can act as advocates to enroll their family members and close contacts into LC screening and whether this strategy increases screening uptake at the population level.

METHODS

We designed a prospective cohort study comprising 2 cohorts constituted between June 2023 and January 2024 with a prospective follow-up of 18 months. Patients with LC (cohort 1) are approached at clinics of the McGill University Health Centre, educated on tools for communicating with family members and close contacts about the benefits of LC screening, and invited to refer their close ones. Referred individuals (cohort 2) are directed to this study's web-based questionnaire to assess their LC risk score with the PLCOm2012 (Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial) prediction model. Individuals meeting the eligibility criteria for LC screening (PLCOm2012 score ≥2% and aged 55-74 years) are directed toward the Quebec LC screening program. Data collected include sociodemographic characteristics, health literacy and smoking status (all participants), patient activation (cohort 1), perceived risk of LC, and generalized anxiety at baseline and at 28 days (cohort 2). LDCT completion within 18 months from referral is assessed from health records. Focus groups will identify the barriers and facilitators in the uptake of LC screening and preventative behaviors based on perceived genetic and clinical LC risks. The primary outcomes are the number of referred participants per survivor of LC and the mean risk of LC of the referred population based on PLCOm2012 scores. The secondary outcomes are the proportion of (1) participants eligible for LC screening; (2) participants eligible for screening who complete LDCT screening within 18 months of referral from a survivor of LC; (3) participants showing interest in genetic testing to inform LC risk; and (4) participants showing interest in a smoking cessation program. Multivariable logistic regression will identify the predictive factors of being referred for LC screening. PLCOm2012 scores will be compared for referred participants and controls from the provincial LC screening program.

RESULTS

Overall, 25 survivors of LC and 84 close contacts were enrolled from June 2023 to January 2024, with followed up through July 2025. The results are expected by the end of 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe an approach to LC screening referral, leveraging patients with LC as advocates to increase screening awareness and uptake among their family and peers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05645731; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05645731.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/58529.

Comparative effectiveness of two interventions to increase colorectal cancer screening among females living in the rural Midwest

PURPOSE

To assess the comparative effectiveness of a tailored, interactive digital video disc (DVD) intervention versus DVD plus patient navigation (PN) intervention versus usual care (UC) on the uptake of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among females living in Midwest rural areas.

METHODS

As part of a larger study, 663 females (ages 50-74) living in rural Indiana and Ohio and not up-to-date (UTD) with CRC screening at baseline were randomized to one of three study groups. Demographics , health status/history, and beliefs and attitudes about CRC screening were measured at baseline. CRC screening was assessed at baseline and 12 months from medical records and self-report. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine whether females in each group were UTD for screening and which test they completed.

RESULTS

Adjusted for covariates, females in the DVD plus PN group were 3.5× more likely to complete CRC screening than those in the UC group (odds ratio [OR] 3.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.09, 6.47) and baseline intention to receive CRC screening (OR 3.45, CI: 2.21,5.42) at baseline. Adjusting for covariates, there was no difference by study arm whether females who became UTD for CRC screening chose to complete a colonoscopy or fecal occult blood test/fecal immunochemical test.

CONCLUSIONS

Many females living in the rural Midwest are not UTD for CRC screening. A tailored intervention that included an educational DVD and PN improved knowledge, addressed screening barriers, provided information about screening test options, and provided support was more effective than UC and DVD-only to increase adherence to recommended CRC screening.

Far behind 90-70-90's screening target: the prevalence and determinants of cervical cancer screening among Sub-Saharan African women: evidence from Demographic and Health Survey

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer screening is the primary goal in 90-70-90 targets to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality by identifying and treating women with precancerous lesions. Although several studies have been conducted in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries on cervical cancer screening, their coverage was limited to the regional or national level, and/or did not address individual- and community-level determinants, with existing evidence gaps to the wider SSA region using the most recent data. Hence, this study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence and multilevel correlates of cervical cancer screening among women with SSA.

METHODS

This study was conducted using the Demographic Health Survey data (2015-2022) from 11 countries, and a total weighted sample of 124,787 women was considered in the analysis. Using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression, the influence of each factor on cervical cancer screening uptake was investigated, and significant predictors were reported using the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

RESULTS

The overall weighted prevalence of cervical cancer screening was 10.29 (95% CI: 7.77, 11.26), with the highest and lowest screening rates detected in Namibia and Benin at 39.3% (95% CI: 38.05, 40.54) and 0.5% (95% CI: 0.36, 0.69), respectively. Higher cervical screening uptake was observed among women aged 35-49 [aOR = 4.11; 95% CI: 3.69, 4.58] compared to 15-24 years, attending higher education [aOR = 2.71; 95% CI: 2.35, 3.23] than no formal education, being in the richest wealth quintile [aOR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.26, 1.67], having a recent visit to a health facility [aOR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.71, 1.95], using contraception [aOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.45, 1.64], recent sexual activity [aOR = 3.59; 95% CI: 2.97, 4.34], and listening to the radio [aOR = 1.78; 95%CI: 1.60, 2.15].

CONCLUSION

The overall prevalence of cervical cancer screening in SSA countries was found to be low; only one in every ten women has been screened. Strengthening universal health coverage, and promoting screening programs with an emphasis on rural areas and low socioeconomic status are key to improving screening rates and equity. Additionally, integrating cervical cancer screening with existing reproductive health programs, e.g. contraceptive service would be important.

Disparities and Determinants of Testing for Early Detection of Cervical Cancer among Nepalese Women: Evidence from a Population-Based Survey

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer presents a considerable challenge in South Asia, notably in Nepal, where screening remains limited. Past research in Nepal lacked national representation and a thorough exploration of factors influencing cervical cancer screening, such as educational and socioeconomic disparities. This study aims to measure these gaps and identify associated factors in testing for early detection of cervical cancer among Nepalese women.

METHODS

Data from the 2019 Nepal Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factors survey (World Health Organization STEPwise approach to noncommunicable risk factor surveillance), involving 2,332 women aged 30 to 69 years, were used. Respondents were asked if they had undergone cervical cancer testing through visual inspection with acetic acid, Pap smear, or human papillomavirus test ever or in the past 5 years. The slope index of inequality (SII) and relative concentration index were used to measure socioeconomic and education-based disparities in cervical cancer test uptake.

RESULTS

Only 7.1% [95% confidence interval (CI): 5.1-9.9] Nepalese women had ever undergone cervical cancer testing, whereas 5.1% (95% CI: 3.4-7.5) tested within the last 5 years. The ever uptake of cervical cancer testing was 5.1 percentage points higher (SII: 5.1, 95% CI: -0.1 to 10.2) among women from the richest compared with the poorest households. Education-based disparities were particularly pronounced, with a 13.9 percentage point difference between highly educated urban residents and their uneducated counterparts (SII: 13.9, 95% CI: 5.8-21.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Less than one in ten women in Nepal had a cervical cancer testing, primarily favoring higher educated and wealthier individuals.

IMPACT

Targeted early detection and cervical cancer screening interventions are necessary to address these disparities and improve access and uptake.

Rectal cancer survival and prognostic factors in Iranian population: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Rectal cancer (RC) poses a significant global health challenge, causing substantial morbidity and mortality. This study aims to investigate the survival rates of RC patients and identify the factors that influence their survival. The study considers demographic characteristics, tumor features, and treatment received as the factors under consideration.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 593 RC patients. Data were collected through a comprehensive review of medical records and conducting telephone interviews. Survival rates were estimated using the life table method, and subgroup comparisons were performed using the log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was utilized to assess the independent associations between RC survival time and various covariates.

RESULTS

The study cohort comprised 593 RC patients, with a predominantly male representation. The mean age at diagnosis was 58.18 years, and the majority of patients (78.6 %) underwent surgical interventions. The median age at symptom onset and diagnosis were 58 and 59 years, respectively. Survival rates at 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 10th years were estimated to be 85 %, 59 %, 47 %, and 36 %, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed several significant prognostic factors, including age, education, symptoms, and cancer stage. In the multivariate Cox proportional-hazards analysis, advanced regional stage (HR = 1.54, 95 % CI, 1.13-2.08), presence of metastasis (HR = 3.73, 95 % CI, 2.49-5.58), and age over 70 (HR = 1.65) were associated with a higher risk of mortality.

CONCLUSION

Given the alarming prognosis of RC observed in the study area and the significant delay between symptom onset and diagnosis, it is crucial to address this issue and potentially improve the survival rates of RC patients.

How is equity captured for colorectal, breast and cervical cancer incidence and screening in the Republic of Ireland: A review

Introduction

Organised screening reduces the incidence and late-stage diagnosis of cancer. However, participation in screening is not consistent across populations. Variations can be measured using demographic factors on place of residence, race/ethnicity, occupation, gender/sex, religion, education, socio-economic position (SEP), and social capital (PROGRESS-Plus stratifiers). The Republic of Ireland has screening programmes for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer but assessment of screening participation and cancer incidence is inconsistent. The review aimed to evaluate the use of stratifiers in breast, cervical and colorectal cancer incidence and screening literature, and assess variations in incidence and screening participation across subgroups in Ireland.

Methods

PubMed was searched systematically and grey literature was identified via Google, Google Scholar, Lenus (Irish Health Research repository), and The Irish Longitudinal Study of Aging (TILDA) in June 2022. Studies were included if they captured stratifiers alongside incidence or screening participation data of the three cancers.

Results

Thirty-six studies and reports were included. Place of residence, SEP, sex, and age were most frequently captured. Incidence and screening participation varied by age, place of residence, SEP, and sex.

Discussion

PROGRESS-Plus is a useful equity lens to review health literature. Cancer incidence and screening participation studies lacked a comprehensive equity lens resulting in difficulties in identifying inequities and non-attenders. Place of residence, SEP and ethnicity should be prioritised in monitoring inequities. Integrating unique health identifiers should improve monitoring and enable evidence-based population-specific interventions to promote screening. Collaboration with community organisations would support engagement with vulnerable populations when data is limited.

The impact of rurality on patient experience and diagnostic pathway intervals in Scotland's cancer patients: Further results from a national cancer diagnosis audit

BACKGROUND

In Scotland 17 % of the population reside rurally and previous research has demonstrated worse cancer outcomes in this group. The underlying reason for this is unclear. This study aims to determine whether patient presenting factors, GP consultation factors or the diagnostic pathways differ between urban and rural patients within Scotland.

METHODS

This study combined two Scottish National Cancer Diagnosis Audits. Participating GPs collected data on the diagnostic pathway from primary to secondary care for cancer patients diagnosed during the audit period. Using the Scottish Government Urban Rural Classification, patients were designated as rural or urban dwellers and compared in descriptive analyses. Key cancer intervals (primary, diagnostic, secondary and treatment interval) were compared between urban and rural dwellers with an additional adjusted analysis for the main cancer sites.

RESULTS

A total of 4309 cancer diagnoses were included in the study; 22 % were in patients from rural locations. Rural patients had significantly more consultations and investigations prior to referral than their urban counterparts. There was no difference in prolonged cancer pathways between the two groups except in lung cancer patients where rural patients had a significantly increased odds of a diagnostic interval of >90 days.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest differences in the interaction between patients and GPs prior to referral in urban and rural settings. However, this does not appear to lead to prolonged patient pathways, except in lung cancer. Further research is needed to determine whether this delay is clinically significant and contributing to poorer outcomes in Scottish rural dwellers with lung cancer.

mHealth Interventions to Improve Cancer Screening and Early Detection: Scoping Review of Reviews

BACKGROUND

Cancer screening provision in resource-constrained settings tends to be opportunistic, and uptake tends to be low, leading to delayed presentation and treatment and poor survival.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify, review, map, and summarize findings from different types of literature reviews on the use of mobile health (mHealth) technologies to improve the uptake of cancer screening.

METHODS

The review methodology was guided by the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews). Ovid MEDLINE, PyscINFO, and Embase were searched from inception to May 2021. The eligible criteria included reviews that focused on studies of interventions that used mobile phone devices to promote and deliver cancer screening and described the effectiveness or implementation of mHealth intervention outcomes. Key data fields such as study aims, types of cancer, mHealth formats, and outcomes were extracted, and the data were analyzed to address the objective of the review.

RESULTS

Our initial search identified 1981 titles, of which 12 (0.61%) reviews met the inclusion criteria (systematic reviews: n=6, 50%; scoping reviews: n=4, 33%; rapid reviews: n=1, 8%; narrative reviews: n=1, 8%). Most (57/67, 85%) of the interventions targeted breast and cervical cancer awareness and screening uptake. The most commonly used mHealth technologies for increasing cancer screening uptake were SMS text messages and telephone calls. Overall, mHealth interventions increased knowledge about screening and had high acceptance among participants. The likelihood of achieving improved uptake-related outcomes increased when interventions used >1 mode of communication (telephone reminders, physical invitation letters, and educational pamphlets) together with mHealth.

CONCLUSIONS

mHealth interventions increase cancer screening uptake, although multiple modes used in combination seem to be more effective.

Mapping the Lay of the Land: Using Interactive Network Analytic Tools for Collaboration in Rural Cancer Prevention and Control

BACKGROUND

Cancer mortality rates in the United States are higher in rural than urban areas, especially for colorectal cancer. Modifiable cancer risks (e.g., tobacco use, obesity) are more prevalent among U.S. rural than urban residents. Social network analyses are common, yet rural informal collaborative networks for cancer prevention and control and practitioner uses of network findings are less well understood.

METHODS

In five service areas in rural Missouri and Illinois, we conducted a network survey of informal multisector networks among agencies that address cancer risk (N = 152 individuals). The survey asked about contact, collaborative activities, and referrals. We calculated descriptive network statistics and disseminated network visualizations with rural agencies through infographics and interactive Network Navigator platforms. We also collected feedback on uses of network findings from agency staff (N = 14).

RESULTS

Service areas had more connections (average degree) for exchanging information than for more time-intensive collaborative activities of co-developing and sustaining ongoing services and programs, and co-developing and sharing resources. On average, collaborative activities were not dependent on just a few agencies to bridge gaps to hold networks together. Users found the network images and information useful for identifying gaps, planning which relationships to establish or enhance to strengthen certain collaborative activities and cross-referrals, and showing network strengths to current and potential funders.

CONCLUSIONS

Rural informal cancer prevention and control networks in this study are highly connected and largely decentralized.

IMPACT

Disseminating network findings help ensure usefulness to rural health and social service practitioners who address cancer risks.