Incidental findings in a federally-sponsored cancer screening program

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Women's Health

Background:

• Federally-sponsored programs aim to detect breast and cervical cancers early.
• These programs may identify other health concerns in participants.
• Understanding the scope of non-cancer related services is crucial for comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the volume of non-cancer related clinical services and referrals for women in a breast and cervical cancer screening program.
• To identify the types of incidental health services provided.
• To understand barriers to follow-up care for identified non-cancer related conditions.

Main Methods:

• Randomly sampled 100 medical records from 389 participants in the Connecticut Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
• Conducted medical record audits to tabulate non-cancer related services and referrals.
• Analyzed reasons for non-adherence to follow-up recommendations.

Main Results:

• Breast screening was provided to 100 women; cervical cancer screening to 49.
• 87% of participants received or were offered non-cancer related health services.
• Services included physical exams (86), lab tests (11), and 55 referrals for various medical needs.

Conclusions:

• Breast and cervical cancer screening programs identify substantial non-cancer related health needs.
• Barriers such as cost, inconvenience, and perceived urgency affect follow-up care.
• Program sponsors must integrate mechanisms to ensure access to necessary healthcare for participants.