New Publication Outlines Effectiveness of Engaging Community Health Workers to Increase Cancer Screening

The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) recommends interventions that engage community health workers to increase screening for breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer. Systematic review evidence shows interventions are effective when community health workers are engaged independently or as part of a team. These interventions typically are implemented in underserved communities to improve health and can enhance health equity.

A health care worker shows a patient a computer screen

The findings from these reviews are detailed in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, available online from The Community Guide.

Okasako-Schmucker DL, Peng Y, Cobb J, et al. Community health workers to increase cancer screening: 3 Community Guide systematic reviews [PDF – 1 MB]. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023; 64(4):579−94.

What are interventions that engage community health workers?

Intervention approaches that engage community health workers to increase breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer screening implement one or more intervention approaches reviewed by the CPSTF. These approaches are divided into two strategies: increasing demand for, and improving community access to, cancer screening.

Cancer Screening Intervention by Strategy

Increase Community Demand

Group Education
One-on-one Education
Client Reminders
Small Media

Improve Community Access

Interventions to Reduce Structural Barriers
Reducing Administrative Barriers
Assisting with Appointment Scheduling
Providing Transportation
Providing Language Translation
Providing Child Care

Why is this important?

In the United States, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women,1  and colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and women.2 When detected earlier through cancer screenings, breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers are easier to treat.3-5

For More Information

References

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Basic Information About Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer. Atlanta (GA): 2022. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/index.htm .

2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Colorectal Cancer Statistics. Atlanta (GA): 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/

3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What Is Breast Cancer Screening? Atlanta (GA): 2022. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/screen­ing.htm.

4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cervical Cancer: What Should I Know About Screening?. Atlanta (GA): 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm.

5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign. Atlanta (GA): 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/sfl/