Multicomponent Interventions Recommended to Increase Cancer Screening

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Hands slide large puzzle pieces across a tableThe Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) recommends multicomponent interventions to increase screening for breast, cervical, or colorectal cancers, based on a systematic review that found these interventions are effective. For colorectal cancer screening, evidence shows these interventions are effective in increasing screening with colonoscopy or fecal occult blood test (FOBT).

When designed and implemented for underserved populations, multicomponent interventions can increase breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer screening among these groups. If access to appropriate follow-up care and treatment is provided, these interventions may improve health for underserved populations.

The systematic review was conducted on behalf of the CPSTF by a team of specialists in systematic review methods, and in research, practice, and policy related to cancer control and prevention.

What are Multicomponent Interventions?

Multicomponent interventions to promote breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer screening combine two or more intervention approaches that have been reviewed by the CPSTF. Combinations are selected from eleven possible individual approaches that are separated into three strategies: increasing community demand, increasing community access, and increasing provider delivery of screening services. Multicomponent interventions to increase cancer screening may be coordinated through healthcare systems, delivered in community settings, or both.

Multicomponent interventions to promote cancer screening combine two or more intervention approaches selected from eleven possible individual approaches that are separated into three strategies: increase community demand, increase community access, and increase provider delivery of screening services.

Why are these Recommendations Important?

  • Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. More than 220,000 new diagnoses are made each year (CDC, 2016).
  • Every year, around 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and about 4,000 women die from it (CDC, 2014).
  • Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in men and women. In 2013, more than 135,000 people were diagnosed and more than 50,000 died from colorectal cancer (CDC, 2015).

What are the CPSTF and Community Guide?

  • The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) is an independent, nonfederal panel of public health and prevention experts. The CPSTF works to improve the health of all Americans by providing evidence-based recommendations about community preventive programs, services, and other interventions aimed at improving population health. Its members represent a broad range of research, practice, and policy expertise in community prevention services, public health, health promotion, and disease prevention.
  • The Guide to Community Preventive Services (The Community Guide) is a collection of all the evidence-based findings and recommendations of the Community Preventive Services Task Force and is available online at www.thecommunityguide.org.

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