Follow-Up After Receiving Abnormal Results From Self-Sampled Colorectal and Cervical Cancer Screening Tests Among Underserved Patients

Abstract

Introduction

Increasing cancer screening through at-home self-sampling test modalities is a public health priority. Patients with abnormal screening results should receive diagnostic follow-up care; optimizing this process is a challenge. We conducted a mixed methods study to examine the cancer screening process among underserved patients who received abnormal results on a self-sampled cancer screening test.

Methods

Participants were drawn from a parent study examining the impact of self-sampled colorectal and cervical cancer screening tests among patients at federally qualified health centers in Pennsylvania. Those who had received abnormal results on their screening were completed a survey and semi-structured interview about their experience (n = 5). We conducted mixed methods analysis to examine participants' (1) understanding and follow-up care for abnormal results and (2) satisfaction with the self-sampling cancer screening process.

Results

Quantitatively, participants indicated very high satisfaction with each self-sampled cancer screening, and 60% preferred a self-sampled test for their next cancer screening. Qualitatively, participants differed in the extent to which they seemed to understand their screening results, but they were generally satisfied with the self-sampling process. In mixed methods analysis, participants' baseline knowledge about cancer screening supported better understanding of abnormal screening results, and participants' preference for their next cancer screening was related to their experiences with self-sampling.

Conclusions

Among this sample of patients who received abnormal results on their self-sampled colorectal or cervical cancer screening test, knowledge and understanding were not prerequisites for accessing follow-up care. Satisfaction with the self-sampling screening process was very high. These findings provide additional support for public health priorities to expand access to self-sampling cancer screening tests.