Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #114024

Nancy Breen, PhD, Applied Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, 6130 Executive Blvd MSC 7344, Suite 4005, Bethesda, MD 20892-7344, 301/496-4675, nb19k@nih.gov and Helen Meissner, PhD, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Executive Plaza North, Suite 4102, 6130 Executive Blvd, MSC 7331, Bethesda, MD 20892.

Cancer screening draws on two different kinds of evidence-based policy and practice. Clinical guidelines are based on the efficacy of a screening technology as demonstrated in randomized trials. Dissemination protocols, the other kind of evidence, are based on behavioral interventions that have successfully prompted provider referrals for cancer screening or promoted it directly to consumers.

This presentation will provide an overview of factors that influence the uptake of cancer screening tests and evidence-based interventions that effectively promote their use. Decades of behavioral and health services research have demonstrated the efficacy and effectiveness of strategies to improve cancer screening in health care settings, communities and in diverse populations. Yet gaps remain between the results of research and how intervention strategies become implemented and adopted in practice, especially among under-resourced parts of the population and outside of clinical settings. This gap between evidence-based strategies and their adaptation in particular communities makes it important to conduct and evaluate interventions to promote screening and continuity of care in a variety of settings, especially among safety-net providers and in medically underserved community settings.

In addition, different cancer screening tests present both overlapping and unique challenges for their widespread adoption. The levels of evidence regarding test efficacy, guidelines and menu of test options varies for the different cancer screening modalities currently available. Further, costs, clinical resources needed for provision of services and invasiveness varies considerably by test. We therefore analyze trends in the use of cancer screening tests in the context of test efficacy, health policy and health behavior in order to better understand the links between research and practice. We then discuss evidence-based strategies to improve cancer screening rates and the factors that facilitate or impede their adoption in practice.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to

• Distinguish between individual and structural factors in screening uptake, and articulate how each may be a barrier to or promote adherence to cancer screening.
• Identify at least one evidence-based approach to promote cancer screening.
• Describe the relationship between test efficacy, health policy, promotional strategies and test uptake.

Keywords: Evidence Based Practice, Cancer Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation