Invitation strategies for improving uptake in cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screening: a systematic review

This systematic review focuses on the screening invitation process to identify the most effective methods for increasing participation in oncological cancer screening programs. The success of cancer screening programs heavily relies on the invitation process within a structured framework. This PRISMA-P compliant systematic review focuses on randomized controlled trials conducted worldwide between 2010 and 2021, with participation rates as the primary outcome. From the 7790 initially retrieved articles, 29 underwent quality assessment using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The analysis revealed 13 studies with low risk, 11 with medium risk, and five with high risk of bias; the latter were excluded from further analysis. The review examined intervention types, control types, analysis approaches, and the effectiveness of various invitation methods. Different communication means, such as letters, text messages, phone calls, and face-to-face consultations, were evaluated along with the roles of various professionals. Specific invitation methods significantly increased participation rates, with multistep approaches using multiple communication channels proving more effective. Advanced notification techniques, interactive approaches such as phone calls and counseling sessions, and mailing fecal immunochemical test or fecal occult blood test kits directly with invitation letters demonstrated increased participation rates. In contrast, engaging general practitioners, attaching supplementary materials to invitation letters, sending reminders after the initial invitation, and applying behavioral theories showed limited impact on participation rates. The findings emphasize the importance of tailored, multistep invitation strategies incorporating various communication channels for optimal success in cancer screening programs.