Same-day screening and health education program aims to reduce disparities in preventable cancers

Evidence shows that early detection and treatment of cancer can dramatically improve health outcomes, but Mississippi women, especially in underserved populations, have the worst health outcomes for cervical cancer, breast and oropharynx.

A new publication by Michelle Williams, Associate Professor in the College of Health and Human Services Department of Global and Community Health at George Mason University, published in the Journal of Cancer Education assesses the feasibility of offering free same-day cancer screening and health education to reduce disparities in “preventable cancers”. Williams evaluated the effects of access to free mammograms, Pap tests and pelvic exams, and oral cancer exams on participants’ knowledge of cancer, self-efficacy in obtaining health care, and intentions. to change their health behaviors.

Williams and colleagues evaluated an implementation of the See, Test, & Treat program, an evidence-based program developed by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Foundation that they adapted for use with uninsured women. and underserved in the Jacksonville metro area. Participants in See, Test, & Treat were made aware of cancer screening during their consultation with providers. Important features of the See, Test, & Treat program were that participants received screening results within 2 hours and participants who received abnormal results could make a follow-up appointment at a government-approved health facility. federal (FQHC) before leaving. Additionally, upon arrival at the screening site waiting room, participants could choose from a variety of health activities, including healthy cooking, yoga and Zumba demonstrations.

Cancer screens are a valuable tool for early detection of cancer – however, uninsured and underserved women may not have access to routine, life-saving screenings. The evaluation of the implementation of this program shows that it is possible to provide access to free cancer screening to vulnerable populations and to provide screening results on the same day. “

Michelle Williams, Associate Professor, George Mason University’s College of Health and Human Services Department of Global and Community Health

The majority of participants said they took the See, Test, & Treat program because they wanted free cancer screening and could get test results the same day. The majority of participants said the program had a positive effect on their awareness of cancer screenings and their self-efficacy to seek regular check-ups. Additionally, participants reported that health education activities had a significant effect on their understanding of the cancers they had been screened for as well as on health, nutrition and exercise.

Follow-up appointments were made for all participants who received abnormal test results, including 18 women who received abnormal mammogram results. 15 of 18 women received diagnostic mammograms, three of which required biopsies. All of the biopsy results were mild. Two of the women who had oral cancer exams had abnormal results and both were referred for treatment. None of the 44 Pap tests were abnormal, but 14 women were diagnosed with trichomonas and were referred for treatment.

Overall, the program was well received by participants and successfully provided uninsured and underserved women with free cancer screening and health education. When asked what they like most about the program, participants said it was convenient to get test results the same day and that staff treated them with respect. One participant said the staff “didn’t make me feel like someone who didn’t have health insurance.” Limitations of the evaluation approach include the lack of long-term follow-up because the evaluation survey was completed anonymously. William seeks to include an interview and follow-up survey of all participants in future iterations of the program.

Participants learned about the program through advertising disseminated through channels such as churches, health centers and social media. A childcare service was made available to participants with young children. American Cancer Society guidelines were used to determine eligibility for breast cancer and cancer screening. 72 women met the eligibility criteria, 53 women were selected and 52 participants responded to the evaluation survey.

Williams initially led the evaluation of the program while at the Cancer Research Center and the Mississippi Medical Center Research Institute (UMCC) and will continue her evaluations at George Mason University. The program evaluation is funded by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Foundation.