Cancer Screening in Behavioral Health Care Programs

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Oncology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Serious mental illnesses (SMI) are associated with reduced life expectancy due to factors like metabolic disorders and cancer.
• Early cancer screening improves survival rates and decreases morbidity.
• Access to cancer screening services for individuals with SMI is a critical public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine access to cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screening services.
• To identify barriers to cancer screening utilization among adults with SMI in a partial hospitalization program.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 136 adults attending partial hospitalization programs.
• The survey included questions on cancer screening utilization, access, and barriers.
• Data were collected using paper-and-pencil questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Cervical and breast cancer screening rates were higher than national averages.
• Colorectal cancer screening rates were lower than national averages.
• The primary barrier identified was the lack of physician recommendations for screenings.

Conclusions:

• Psychiatric nurses and behavioral health professionals can play a key role in promoting cancer screenings.
• Enhanced communication and support are needed to address disparities in cancer screening for individuals with SMI.
• Interventions should focus on increasing physician recommendations and patient education to improve screening rates.