Cancer Screening and Follow Up Among Individuals With Serious Mental Illness

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) have higher cancer mortality, which may be due to lower screening rates and barriers to timely, effective care. The current study explored how individuals with SMI perceive cancer screening and follow up to identify barriers and facilitators to care.

Using a qualitative interpretive description approach, we conducted individual interviews with 10 adults with SMI about their cancer screening experiences.

The most frequently reported barriers were distrust of the health care system, psychiatric symptoms, fear, low prioritization, and shame. Facilitators included support systems, regular primary care, positive health care experiences, and personal agency.

Findings highlight the importance of providing supportive health care services and strengthening personal agency as key components of recovery and cancer screening and follow up in individuals with SMI.