Referral adherence in an inner city breast and cervical cancer screening program

✍ Scribed by Loretta Lacey; Jennifer Whitfield; Wini Dewhite; David Ansell; Steven Whitman; Edwin Chen; Clyde Phillips

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1993
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 636 KB
• Volume: 72
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0008-543X
• DOI: 10.1002/1097-0142(19930801)72:3<950::aid-cncr2820720347>3.0.co;2-s

✦ Synopsis

Background. Early detection and immediate followup treatment for cancer of the breast and cervix can reduce morbidity and mortality. This report describes adherence to follow-up appointments for suspected breast and cervical malignancies in a population of low-income black women who participated in a community-based nurse-managed screening program.

Methods. Components of the program that were part of the intervention included the following: a consistent referral mechanism augmented by a computerized tickler system; education of women about the importance of follow-up; and active nurse assistance in the follow-up process. Referral for follow-up of suspected malignancies or for other questionable findings was made to the public sector hospital clinics (86%) or to other providers of the women's choice (14%).

Results. Follow-up rates for suspected malignancies of the breast were high (92%) in this population of women, sometimes described as less likely to adhere to recommendations for continued care. In contrast, adherence rates for gynecologic conditions were lower (70%).

Conclusions. This screening program and follow-up system has relevance to systems that serve similar groups of low-income women. Cancer 1993; 72950-5.