Lacey L, Whitfield J, DeWhite W, Ansell D, Whitman S, Chen E, Phillips C
Avoidable Mortality from Cancer Project, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago 60612.
Cancer. 1993 Aug 1;72(3):950-5. doi: 10.1002/1097-0142(19930801)72:3<950::aid-cncr2820720347>3.0.co;2-s.
Early detection and immediate follow-up treatment for cancer of the breast and cervix can reduce morbidity and mortality. This report describes adherence to follow-up appointments for suspected breast and cervical malignancies in a population of low-income black women who participated in a community-based nurse-managed screening program.
Components of the program that were part of the intervention included the following: a consistent referral mechanism augmented by a computerized tickler system; education of women about the importance of follow-up; and active nurse assistance in the follow-up process. Referral for follow-up of suspected malignancies or for other questionable findings was made to the public sector hospital clinics (86%) or to other providers of the women's choice (14%).
Follow-up rates for suspected malignancies of the breast were high (92%) in this population of women, sometimes described as less likely to adhere to recommendations for continued care. In contrast, adherence rates for gynecologic conditions were lower (70%).
This screening program and follow-up system has relevance to systems that serve similar groups of low-income women.
