Methods for Conducting Systematic Reviews of Evidence on Effectiveness and Economic Efficiency of Interventions to Increase Screening for Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancers

Describes the general methodologic approach employed by a systematic review development team in evaluating the recommendations for cancer screening offered by the Task Force on Community Preventive Services in their Guide to Community Preventive Services. Specific interventions designed to increase (1) community demand for & access to screening services, & (2) provider referral to or delivery of such services are defined, & effectiveness data obtained from a full-text review of 244 candidate studies are summarized. The applicability of effectiveness findings, positive & negative impacts of intervention, economic efficiency, & implementation barriers are considered. Tables, Figures, References. K. Hyatt Stewart [Copyright 2008 American Journal of Preventive Medicine; published by Elsevier Inc.]