Interventions to reduce structural barriers to increase screening for breast and colorectal cancers (by mammography and FOBT, respectively) are recommended on the basis of strong evidence of effectiveness. Evidence is insufficient, however, to determine whether reducing structural barriers is effective in increasing colorectal cancer screening by flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy because only one study using these screening procedures were identified. Evidence is also insufficient to determine the effectiveness of the intervention in increasing screening for cervical cancer because only three relevant studies were identified, and these had some methodological limitations. Reducing structural barriers to increase screening may include increasing hours of operation, providing child care, or addressing language or cultural factors.

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Effect Health System Change, Reduce Morbidity, Reduce Mortality, Community- & Faith-Based Organizations, Healthcare, Behavioral & Social, Clinical Practice, Primary Prevention, Patients