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Mobile Cancer Screening Programs: A Systematic Review of Implementation Challenges and Population Access
Safa ElKefi1, Roberta Scheinmann2, Alicia K Matthews2,3
1School of System Science & Industrial Engineering, The Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA.
Summary
Mobile cancer screening units show promise for increasing cancer screening access. However, challenges in implementation, follow-up, and cost require stronger frameworks for effective public health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Oncology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Mobile cancer screening units (MSUs) offer a strategy to overcome barriers to accessing cancer screenings.
- Evidence on their design, implementation, and operational challenges is synthesized to inform future programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize evidence on the design, implementation, and operational challenges of mobile cancer screening units.
- To identify factors influencing the effectiveness and uptake of MSUs across various cancer types and settings.
Main Methods:
- A PRISMA-guided systematic review of 64 articles from 13 countries.
- Data extraction focused on screening type, target population, program characteristics, MSU features, and implementation barriers.
- Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).
Main Results:
- Most MSUs focused on breast cancer screening, with deployment in urban, rural, and mixed settings.
- Mobile programs often reported higher screening uptake compared to fixed sites, but adherence and outcomes varied.
- Key implementation barriers included follow-up coordination, costs, equipment limitations, and referral/reimbursement gaps.
Conclusions:
- MSUs have significant potential to expand cancer screening access.
- Addressing implementation barriers and conducting long-term outcome evaluations are crucial for optimizing MSU effectiveness.
- Development of robust implementation frameworks is needed to maximize the public health impact of MSUs.
