Interventions to reduce structural barriers to increase screening for breast and colorectal cancers (by mammography and fecal occult blood test, 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 1 study using these screening procedures was identified. Evidence is also insufficient to determine the effectiveness of the intervention in increasing screening for cervical cancer because only 3 relevant studies were identified, and these had some methodological limitations. Reducing structural barriers to increase screening may include increasing hours of operation, providing childcare, or addressing language or cultural factors.

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