Psychological Aspects of Cancer Screening

Author(s):  
Christian von Wagner ◽  
Wouter Verstraete ◽  
Sandro Stoffel

Cancer screening aims to detect cancer before the appearance of symptoms. Applying a proactive and systematic approach, cancer screening programs invite every person in the target population automatically. Many countries have established guidelines that define criteria and principles on whether to implement screening programs for specific conditions. Despite the universal coverage of these programs, inequalities have been observed in their uptake based on various sociodemographic factors: gender, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), educational level, and marital status. Behavioral science provides key performance indicators of these programs. Psychological factors such as perceived benefits (e.g., ability of the program to diagnose early or even prevent cancer) and barriers (e.g., opportunity costs relating to test attendance or completion), as well as people’s cancer and screening-related beliefs and perceptions of their own susceptibility to cancer, play a crucial role in cancer screening uptake. Furthermore, there is increasing awareness among professional bodies for the need to balance the public health benefits against individual costs, including financial and opportunity costs associated with participation and potential longer-term harms, such as receiving a cancer diagnosis that would never have caused any symptoms or problems). These recent developments have led to stronger emphasis on monitoring patient-reported experiences and ensuring that participation is based on informed choice. In addition, some of these issues have also been addressed by more fundamental changes to the screening paradigm such as more personalized approaches (using additional genetic and epigenetic information) to establishing eligibility criteria. The acceptability of using this information and its implication to offer more or less intensive screening and developing effective ways to understand the ability of the program to communicate this information are key challenges for the clinical, research and policy making community.

Author(s):  
Marina Kochiyeva

Data on modern methodological approaches that are used in screening for cancer are summarized. General principles of organizing screening studies are examined from the perspective of evidence-based medicine, target population, research methods, and effectiveness of the implemented screening programs for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and colon cancer are determined.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 50-58
Author(s):  
Prajakta Adsul ◽  
Shivamma Nayaka ◽  
Rashmi Pramathesh ◽  
Savitha Gowda ◽  
Poornima Jaykrishna ◽  
...  

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed among women in India and current estimates indicate low screening rates. To implement successful population-based screening programs, there is an urgent need to explore the social and cultural beliefs among women residing in underserved communities. An innovative, community-based participatory approach called photovoice was used with 14 women aged between 30–51 years, residing in rural and tribal villages around Mysore, Karnataka, India. Each participant was trained in photovoice techniques, provided with a digital camera, and asked to photo document their everyday realities that could influence their intentions to undergo cervical cancer screening. Over 6 months, participants took a total of 136 photos and participated in 42 individual interviews and two group discussions. These data helped identify specific beliefs prevalent in the target population and were organized according to the Integrated Behavior Model. Some women reported a lack of perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer whereas others mentioned the fatal nature of cancer as a disease and believed that no screening exam could prevent death if they were destined to get cancer. Husbands, mothers-in-law, and their peers in the community had an important influence on the social identity of women and influenced their intentions to participate in the screening exams. Seeking healthcare was associated with an economic burden, not only in terms of out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare services but also in missing daily labor wages or taking unpaid leave from work to seek healthcare when they were asymptomatic. Several action steps were proposed including: identifying community liaisons or champions, repeated community activities to raise awareness of cervical cancer, and educating men and other family members about women’s health issues. Study findings can conceptually help design and develop educational efforts for mobilizing women to undergo screening and inform future research to help understand disparities.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1568-1568
Author(s):  
Jérôme Viguier ◽  
Francois Eisinger ◽  
Yvan Coscas ◽  
Jean F. Morere ◽  
Jean-Yves Blay ◽  
...  

1568 Background: The EDIFICE survey program started in 2005 and was aimed at providing a better understanding of the participation of the French population in cancer screening programs and assess the evolution over time. The EDIFICE 3 survey was conducted in 2011, following EDIFICE 1 (2005) and EDIFICE 2 (2008), and focused on colorectal, breast and prostate cancer. Methods: This third nationwide observational study, EDIFICE 3, was conducted by phone interviews among a representative sample of 1603 subjects aged between 40 and 75 years, using the quota method. The analysis focused on the target population of the national screening programs for breast and colorectal cancer (50-74 years). The same population was analysed for prostate cancer screening behaviours. Results: For breast cancer, the rate of women attending at least one screening test was 93%/94%/95% in 2005/2008/2011 respectively. A mammography had been performed as recommended within the last two years for 75%/83%/83% among them. We observed an increase in timing compliance between 2005 and 2011, significant for women aged 65-74. For colorectal cancer, the rate of subjects attending at least one screening test was 25%/38%/59%. A fecal test or colonoscopy had been performed according to the recommended timing for NA/30%/51% among them. Colorectal cancer screening has increased significantly in all age groups, especially between 65 and 69 years, and for both genders. For prostate cancer, the rate of men having performed at least one screening test (PSA and/or rectal examination) was 36%/49%/50%.This rate have significantly decreased in men aged 50-59 between 2008 and 2011(44% vs 37%, p<0.05). Conclusions: For National Programs, the attendance rate remains high for breast cancer screening and is improving for colorectal cancer screening. However, the European guideline objective rate of participation for colorectal cancer screening has not yet been reached. Despite the absence of recommendations, prostate cancer screening is frequently carried out and stable overall.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 1399-1407
Author(s):  
Sameer Chhetri Aryal ◽  
Gopi Aryal

Cancers of the uterine cervix, breast, lung and stomach are four of the most common cancers in Nepal. Lack of knowledge and awareness about cancer, its risk factors and negligence of the early warning signs play crucial role in raising the incidence of the cancer. Curative therapies are most successful when cancer is diagnosed and treated at an early stage.Organized cancer screening programmes provide screening to target population and use multidisciplinary delivery teams, coordinated clinical oversight committees, and regular review by a multidisciplinary evaluation board. For population-based screening programs, decision- making and governance structures, tasks and procedures need to be defined.In this paper, we review population-based cancer screening programmes of different countries and share recommendations and relevant evidence for screening and early detection of common cancers in Nepal. The evidence-based recommendations provided in this Review are intended to act as a guide for policy makers, clinicians, and public health practitioners who are developing and implementing strategies in cancer control.  We also discuss the role of liquid biopsy in early detection, diagnosis and monitoring of cancers using circulating biomarkers. Despite challenges, time has come to include cell free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), as a parameters for early detection of cancer in the days to come.


2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1537-1537
Author(s):  
S. McLachlan ◽  
A. Clements ◽  
J. Austoker

1537 Background: Colonoscopy is a component of most colorectal screening programs, as a primary test or as follow-up to an abnormal FOB test. Little is known about why some patients do not comply with colonoscopy after being referred. Methods: A search strategy using three themes of screening, colonoscopy, and patient acceptance was developed and used in MEDLINE, EMBASE and PSYCHinfo (1996–2008). Retrieved citations were assessed for eligibility by two reviewers using prespecified criteria. A qualitative synthesis was conducted. Results: From an initial 3,174 studies, 264 were identified as potentially eligible for review. After full text assessment, 64 studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. Six studies examined the experience of a primary colonoscopy by eliciting patients’ views soon after they had the test. Fifty-six studies addressed patient-reported concerns and barriers to an anticipated primary colonoscopy. Most patients perceived the laxative bowel preparation to be the most burdensome part and the greatest barrier to colonoscopy. Other reported difficulties included anxiety and anticipation of pain. Feelings of embarrassment and vulnerability occurred, particularly in women, and also acted as barriers to adherence. Inadequate knowledge about screening was common and was identified as an obstacle to the uptake of screening colonoscopy as was fear of finding cancer. Physician endorsement, having a family history, knowing someone with cancer, and perceived accuracy of the test were incentives to having a colonoscopy. The most common reported practical barriers were inconvenience, transportation, scheduling, and cost. Only two studies focused on colonoscopy as a secondary procedure in the screening context. Similar procedural, personal, and practical concerns were reported by patients in this setting. Conclusions: Bowel preparation, lack of awareness of the importance of screening, and feelings of vulnerability in women are all significant barriers to colonoscopy in the screening context. These obstacles need to be addressed, and further research undertaken on barriers to second line colonoscopy. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C E Gandolfi ◽  
D Iemmi ◽  
C Lari ◽  
R Danese ◽  
A R Silvestri

Abstract Issue According to the United Nations basic principles for the treatment of prisoners, they “shall have access to the health services available in the country without discrimination on the grounds of their legal situation”. In Italy this principle is executed by national legislation allocating responsibility for inmates' health directly to the National Health Service. In the Metropolitan City of Milan this duty is fulfilled by the Agency for Health Protection (ATS) that guarantees medical assistance in its penitentiaries. Description of the problem In Italy, cancer screening activities are considered essential levels of assistance i.e. guaranteed to all citizens. In fact, organised colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is offered by ATS, free of charge, to males and females, aged 50 to 74, in the form of a fecal immunochemical test every 2 years. Unfortunately, CRC screening uptake remains low among fragile patients, such as jail inmates, who are hard-to-reach by standard organised screening efforts. In 2019 the ATS Preventive Medicine Screening Unit began a small pilot organised CRC screening program, specific for inmates, starting in one of the city's main penitentiaries: Casa di Reclusione Milano Bollate, comprising 1200 inmates, and recently appointed nationwide referral center for elderly inmates. Results Inmates represent a large scarcely screened population that, following implementation of an organised tailored CRC screening program, showed high willingness to participate. Organised cancer screening programs may thus be necessary to guarantee maximum uptake among prisoners. Lessons Tailoring the organised CRC screening program to the prison-setting may increase adherence and ensure standardised coverage of the target population, eliminating disparity in the CRC screening service, and hopefully others in the future. Key messages Tailoring an organised CRC screening program to the prison-setting may increase adherence and ensure standardised coverage of the target population, eliminating disparity in the CRC screening service Organised screening programs could achieve extensive coverage and enhance equity of access in this hard-to-reach fragile population.


Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
E Hwa Yun ◽  
Seri Hong ◽  
Eun Young Her ◽  
Bomi Park ◽  
Mina Suh ◽  
...  

The study aimed to describe the participation rates of the National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) among cancer survivors in Korea. The NCSP protocol recommends that all Korean men and women should be screened for cancer. Cancer survivors were defined as those registered for any cancer in the Korea Central Cancer Registry by December 31 of the year prior to being included in the target population of the NCSP. In this study, the participation rates for the NCSP were calculated as the percentage of people who participated in four kinds of cancer screening programs, independently. The average annual percentage change was assessed. The participation rates of the general population and cancer survivors were higher than 40% in stomach, breast, and cervical cancer screening. These rates were higher than that of colorectal cancer screening in 2014. In addition, the participation rates in the NCSP in 2002–2014 increased for all cancer types. The NCSP participation rates of the cancer survivors indicate the high demand for cancer screening. Further research may investigate the effect of the NCSP on second cancer occurrence or mortality in cancer survivors and the significance of cancer screening guidelines for cancer survivors.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-36
Author(s):  
Eleazar Ndabarora ◽  
Dariya Mukamusoni ◽  
Clarte Ndikumasabo ◽  
Védaste Ngirinshuti

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally and in Sub-Saharan Africa in particular. There is evidence that early detection and early management of cases are the best strategies to prevent and control this health threat, since treatment of the later stages of the diseases are very expensive. The objectives of the review were: (1) to identify and review studies on the prevalence of cervical cancer and determinants of early detection in Sub-Saharan Africa, and (2) to recommend further studies and interventions based on the findings of this review. Extensive literature search was conducted using the MeSH terms. Articles on cervical cancer and/or determinants of early detection which fulfilled inclusion criteria were reviewed independently by three reviewers. The prevalence of cervical cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa is increasing. Although there are evidences that cervical cancer screening programs are practical and feasible even in resource-limited settings in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a very low uptake of cervical cancer screening and there are key factors that need to be addressed in order to make these programs established and effective.


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