Interventions Promoting Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Latino Men: A Systematic Review
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW — Volume 15 — March 8, 2018
Cynthia M. Mojica, PhD1; Deborah Parra-Medina, PhD, MPH2; Sally Vernon, PhD3 (View author affiliations)
Suggested citation for this article: Mojica CM, Parra-Medina D, Vernon S. Interventions Promoting Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Latino Men: A Systematic Review. Prev Chronic Dis 2018;15:170218. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd15.170218.
PEER REVIEWED
Abstract
Introduction
Colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, is also among the most preventable cancers. However, Latino men are less likely than non-Latino men to engage in preventive screening. Compared with 60% of non-Latino white men and women, only 42% of Latino men are up to date with colorectal cancer screening guidelines, which may result in diagnosis at advanced disease stages and increased deaths. We evaluated the literature on colorectal cancer screening interventions among Latino men to characterize intervention components effective in increasing colorectal cancer screening.
Methods
Two independent reviewers searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO to identify articles on intervention studies that promote colorectal cancer screening among Latino men. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled or comparative effectiveness trials, an outcome of any colorectal cancer screening test, published in English, US-based, results published from January 2004 through December 2016, Latino or Spanish-speaking male participants, and a minimum of one patient-level component. Two other reviewers independently assessed article quality and conducted data abstraction.
Results
Forty-four studies met the inclusion criteria; only 7 studies with 20% or more Latinos and 39% or more men were included in the final analyses. The most common intervention strategies included one-on-one interactions with a patient navigator and reducing structural barriers (eg, providing fecal occult blood tests). Interventions using small media produced mixed results.
Conclusion
Although intervention studies focused on colorectal cancer screening among men of racial/ethnic minorities are scarce, our findings highlight promising strategies that were effective at increasing colorectal cancer screening among Latino men. Additional research in the area of Latino men’s health is needed, especially to further develop and test theoretically grounded interventions that promote colorectal cancer screening with larger samples of men and across diverse geographic areas in the United States.
Introduction
Despite being among the most preventable diseases, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women in the United States. Every year, approximately 50,000 people in the Unites States die from the disease. Estimates indicate that 60% of deaths from colorectal cancer among men and women aged 50 or older could be prevented by early detection (1). The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that people aged 50 to 75 at average risk for colorectal cancer be screened with the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year, sigmoidoscopy every 5 years (with high-sensitivity FOBT every 3 years), or colonoscopy every 10 years. The Healthy People 2020 benchmark is for 70.5% of adults aged 50 to 75 to be screened for colorectal cancer according to the most recent national guidelines; yet, only 42% of Latino men and 47.5% of Latino women are up to date with screening compared with 60% of non-Latino white men and women (2). Consequently, Latino men and women are more likely than non-Hispanic whites to be diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, even after accounting for differences in age and socioeconomic status, setting the stage for poorer survival rates.
Although mortality rates for colorectal cancer have decreased nationally for both men and women (3) in all racial/ethnic groups except American Indian/Alaska Natives, whose rates have remained stable, there has not been a similar decrease among Latino men (4). Whereas the mortality rate for white men has decreased by 3.0% per year, the rate for Hispanic men has decreased by only 1.5% per year (5,6). The low screening rates among Latinos may in part explain why colorectal cancer mortality rates for Latino men have not decreased as they have for white men (4). Latino men need effective strategies aimed at increasing colorectal cancer screening rates. Reasons for low screening rates range from socioeconomic to cultural to health system barriers (7–11). Effective interventions are needed to improve cancer screening rates among minority populations. However, there is little information on effective interventions for increasing colorectal cancer screening rates among Latino men. The objective of this systematic review was to identify components of effective interventions that have increased colorectal cancer screening among Latino men.
Methods
Data sources
We conducted an electronic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsychINFO to identify journal articles published from 2004 through 2016 that reported on intervention studies promoting colorectal cancer screening. Search terms used were the following combinations of Medical Subject Heading and keyword terms: colorectal neoplasm, colorectal cancer, colon cancer, early detection of cancer, health education, health behavior, health promotion, intervention studies, prevention and control, randomized controlled trials, colon cancer screening, population screening, screening tests, screening intervention, and preventive health services. We consulted with a health sciences librarian and adhered to the standards for systematic reviews of the Institute of Medicine (12) and the PRISMA Statement (13).
Study selection
Articles included in the review met the following inclusion criteria: they discussed a randomized controlled or comparative effectiveness trial, the outcome was any colorectal cancer screening (ie, FOBT, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy), the article was written in English, the trial was US-based, the article was published from January 2004 through December 2016, trial participants were Latino or Spanish-speaking men, and the trial had a minimum of one patient-level component. We identified 1,146 articles for review (974 through database searching and 172 through other sources, including similar reviews of colorectal cancer screening interventions (14–17) and scanning reference lists of articles meeting the inclusion criteria)(Figure).
Figure.
Flowchart showing inclusion process of articles analyzed in a systematic review of colorectal cancer screening among Latino men, United States, January 2004–December 2016. [A text description of this figure is also available.]
Overall, the study selection process resulted in 44 articles meeting our inclusion criteria. However, the final sample selected for analysis consisted of 7 articles. We wanted to ensure that any conclusions based on this review were from articles with representative samples of Latinos and men. Thus, we looked at the distribution of Latinos and men in the study samples of the 44 articles and chose a cut-off at the median sample size, resulting in 7 articles with 20% or more Latinos and 39% or more men.
Data extraction
We developed a data abstraction form to collect the following information: study year, title, study authors, participants (sample size, sex, age, and race/ethnicity), study design and setting, theoretical framework, intervention, screening outcome, and study results. C.M.M. extracted the data from each article that met the inclusion criteria, and D.P.M. evaluated the extracted data for accuracy. The 2 reviewers resolved disagreements by discussion. Our strategy meets the minimum recommended by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination: one reviewer extracts the data while the second reviewer independently checks for accuracy and completeness of the extracted data (18).
Additionally, 2 other reviewers independently assessed the quality of each selected article using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Experimental Studies (19). This checklist for experimental studies examines 11 aspects of the article, including randomization, blinding of participants and staff, outcome assessment, follow up of participants, and appropriateness of statistical analyses. C.M.M. resolved any differences in quality ratings between the 2 reviewers.
Results
Search results
We summarized studies to describe the following characteristics for each of the 7 studies: study authors, study setting, sample (size, race/ethnicity, proportion of men), screening outcome (definition and measurement), intervention, and results (Table). All studies tested a patient-level intervention, and 5 were conducted in clinical settings (community health centers or Federally Qualified Health Centers). Two of the 7 studies were conducted in the Northeast (New York and Massachusetts), 1 in the Midwest (Illinois), 1 in the South (Texas), 2 in the West (Washington and California), and 1 study had a site in each region of the country (California, Colorado, Texas, and New York). Only 2 studies reported using a theoretical framework to develop the intervention. Except for 1 study that measured FOBT only, all studies used any colorectal cancer screening as the outcome measure. Five studies collected their outcome data via medical records. Almost all studies (n = 5) enrolled underserved populations. In Aragones et al (20), Coronado et al (21), and Jean-Jacques et al (22), 80%, 75%, and 73% of the sample, respectively, were uninsured or on public insurance. Enard et al enrolled Medicare enrollees, and 65% had less than a high school education (23). Percac-Lima et al enrolled a low-income population of which 46% were uninsured or on public insurance; however, no income information was reported (24). In contrast, 61% in Bastani et al (25) had some college education, and 63% of the population in Jerant et al (26) had a high school education or more.
Intervention strategies used in these studies included 1) one-on-one interaction (eg, intensive in-person or phone contact with patients by a nurse, community health worker, or health educator) as the only component (n = 3) or combined with eliminating structural barriers (eg, providing an FOBT) (n = 2), and 2) incorporating small media with decision aids (materials that provide information on risks and benefits of screening and screening options) (n = 2). Six of 7 studies reported a significant difference in screening rate between the intervention and control groups. Personnel providing the one-on-one interaction were lay or college-educated community health workers (CHWs).
Discussion
Findings from the 7 studies included in this review highlight the importance of using culturally appropriate strategies when targeting Latino men for colorectal cancer screening. The most common strategy was using patient navigation to promote colorectal cancer screening. Four studies used patient navigators (both those with and without a college education) and all significantly increased screening rates in the intervention group. Indeed, patient education combined with the use of patient navigators is an effective intervention strategy to increase colorectal cancer screening in minority (14) and Latino (17) populations. In this review, patient navigators, in their one-on-one encounters with patients, stressed the importance of cancer screening, explored and addressed barriers to screening, and provided opportunities for Latino men to ask questions. Two studies used lay CHWs who served as a link between the community and the health care system, assisting with outreach, health education, appointment scheduling, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy (27–31). Findings from this review further support the notion that CHWs can help increase colorectal cancer screening among Latino men. Along with the use of CHWs, both Coronado et al (21) and Jean-Jacques et al (22) provided mailed FOBTs, a method for reducing structural barriers, which in these studies was limiting the number of required clinic visits. These results are consistent with the Community Guide, which recommends one-on-one education and reducing structural barriers to increase colorectal cancer screening with FOBT (32). Results from Percac-Lima et al (24) and Enard et al (23) are inconsistent with the Community Guide, which does not recommend using these strategies to increase colorectal cancer screening with tests other than an FOBT. Given the results of Percac-Lima et al (24) and Enard et al (23), it may be that among Latino men (regardless of type of colorectal cancer screening test offered), patient navigation alone is an effective strategy, especially when navigation is tailored to individual needs and there is help navigating structural barriers. This possibility is further supported by Bastani et al (25) who delivered an ethnically targeted and tailored stepped, nested intervention (mail plus telephone call and no mailed FOBT) and reported that the intervention was effective among Latinos.
The second most common strategy was small media. Aragones et al (20) reported a significant increase in colorectal cancer screening that used a Spanish-language educational video that they evaluated by using pre-test and post-test surveys and focus group discussions. However, along with the video, participants also received a Spanish-language brochure and a one-page handout for their provider, making it difficult to know the independent effect of the video. Although there was no discussion of whether the video addressed cultural factors, the National Alliance for Hispanic Health developed the video in collaboration with community partners throughout the nation. Interestingly, the video was shown in Spanish despite 90% of participants in the intervention group reporting English as their primary language (only 35% said they spoke Spanish well to very well) (20). Jerant et al (26) also used small media that tailored the intervention on stage of readiness and theoretical factors associated with screening behavior. They did not find a significant increase in screening. The authors acknowledged that their findings might be due in part to not having addressed cultural factors affecting their Latino participants (26). Although we found only 2 studies testing small media, results were mixed and inconsistent with the Community Guide, which does not recommend small media to increase colorectal cancer screening by any other test except FOBT (32). In both of these studies, the interventions were designed to increase any screening — FOBT, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. Even so, the significant results of the Spanish-language video indicate the importance of tailoring materials and small media to language and creating products that are developed and evaluated with community input.
Our findings also highlight some important research gaps. First, culture, per se, was not explicitly addressed in these studies. The cultural tailoring referred to in the studies was mainly in regard to addressing patient language (providing materials in English and Spanish) and not cultural norms and beliefs. Only Percac-Lima et al (24) stated that they addressed cultural barriers; however, there were no details on what cultural barriers the patient navigators discussed with participants. Similarly, Bastani et al (25) targeted race/ethnicity only through culturally relevant photographs and graphics in the intervention materials. Second, except for Coronado et al (21), study authors did not report CHW sex. Although Coronado et al (21) reported hiring a male CHW (who was accompanied by a female medical assistant), there was no discussion of how CHW sex affected study findings. Yet, a recent review found that sex of the CHW, at least for women, is important in ensuring uptake of services, especially in low- and middle-income countries and when dealing with issues of maternal and child health (33,34). Similarly, in a study of diabetes management in the United States, the sex of the CHW mattered — for example, women may have to speak about sexual dysfunction associated with diabetes and they are uncomfortable doing so with male CHWs (35). Although a recent review of CHWs in Federally Qualified Health Centers described the characteristics of CHWs, such as training and education, they did not examine sex (36). Given the nature of colorectal cancer testing and the gender norms that characterize male Latino culture, it may be beneficial to examine whether male versus female CHWs are more effective in increasing colorectal cancer screening among Latino men. Third, only 2 studies reported using a theoretical framework to guide the planning, development, and evaluation of their intervention (25,26). Yet, research shows that interventions based on theory produce more effective and sustained behavior change than interventions designed without a theoretical framework (37). Also, without a theoretical framework, it is difficult to understand which components of an intervention, if any, were effective or why. Even so, a strength of these studies was the use of medical records to capture outcome data. However, given that the Community Guide recommends interventions based on colorectal cancer screening method, it would be helpful if studies, in addition to coding their outcome as any screening (ie, FOBT, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy) also report the outcome by screening method.
Our study has limitations. First, our findings are subject to publication bias, because studies with negative findings are less likely to be published. Also, it is difficult to tease out which component of a multicomponent intervention was most effective. Lastly, although we carefully reviewed the literature, we may have missed some articles.
Despite these limitations, this review highlights the importance of interpersonal communication and tailoring to language and the need to address cultural norms. However, given that we found only 7 studies with a sufficient number of Latinos and men in the study samples, more research that investigates rates of colorectal cancer screening and interventions that promote screening among Latino men is warranted. This is even more important given that cancer has now surpassed heart disease as the number one cause of death among Latinos (2). Also, more research is needed to address the lack of studies testing the effectiveness of matching community health workers and their patients on sex. Lastly, 5 of the 7 studies in this review were conducted in a clinical setting. It is equally important to understand how to reach out to men in community settings. Research shows that men are not as connected to the health care system as women. From 2013 to 2015, 68% of low-income and uninsured men compared with 81% of low-income and uninsured women reported having a regular clinic they go to when sick or to ask for medical advice. Furthermore, only 75% of men reported seeing a provider in the past 2 years compared with 91% of women (38).
Overall, our findings highlight promising strategies — one-on-one education, use of small media, and reducing structural barriers — that may be effective in increasing colorectal cancer screening among Latino men. However, there is a clear need to continue doing theory-based intervention research with Latino men that explicitly addresses cultural beliefs and norms, beyond language.
Acknowledgments
This study was supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, through grant no. KL2 TR001118. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. The materials presented throughout this article are original and are not borrowed materials. Copyrighted surveys and instruments were not used in this study.
Author Information
Corresponding Author: Cynthia M. Mojica, PhD, School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, 2250 SW Jefferson Way, Waldo 445, Corvallis, OR 97331. Telephone: 541-737-2040. Email: Cynthia.mojica@oregonstate.edu.
Author Affiliations: 1School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon. 2Mexican American and Latina/o Studies, College of Liberal Arts, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas. 3Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, Texas.
References
- Census 2000. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48000.html Accessed August 19, 2009.
- American Cancer Society. Cancer facts & figures for Hispanics/Latinos 2015–2017. Atlanta (GA): American Cancer Society; 2015.
- Jemal A, Ward EM, Johnson CJ, Cronin KA, Ma J, Ryerson B, et al. Annual report to the nation on the status of cancer, 1975–2014, featuring survival. J Natl Cancer Inst 2017;109(9). CrossRef PubMed
- Martinsen RP, Morris CR, Pinheiro PS, Parikh-Patel A, Kizer KW. Colorectal cancer trends in California and the need for greater screening of Hispanic men. Am J Prev Med 2016;51(6):e155–63. CrossRef PubMed
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cancer mortality trends among men by race/ethnicity; 2016. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/data/trends/men_mortality.htm. Accessed September 20, 2017.
- Siegel R, Desantis C, Jemal A. Colorectal cancer statistics, 2014. CA Cancer J Clin 2014;64(2):104–17. CrossRef PubMed
- Youdelman MK. The medical tongue: U.S. laws and policies on language access. Health Aff (Millwood) 2008;27(2):424–33. CrossRef PubMed
- Fiscella K, Franks P, Doescher MP, Saver BG. Disparities in health care by race, ethnicity, and language among the insured: findings from a national sample. Med Care 2002;40(1):52–9. CrossRef PubMed
- Derose KP, Baker DW. Limited English proficiency and Latinos’ use of physician services. Med Care Res Rev 2000;57(1):76–91. CrossRef PubMed
- Wilson E, Chen AH, Grumbach K, Wang F, Fernandez A. Effects of limited English proficiency and physician language on health care comprehension. J Gen Intern Med 2005;20(9):800–6. CrossRef PubMed
- American Cancer Society. Cancer facts & figures 2017. Atlanta (GA): American Cancer Society; 2017.
- Institute of Medicine Committee on Standards for Systematic Reviews of Comparative Effectiveness. Finding what works in health care. In: Eden J, Levit L, Berg A, Morton S, editors. Finding what works in health care: standards for systematic reviews. Washington (DC): National Academies Press; 2011.
- Liberati A, Altman DG, Tetzlaff J, Mulrow C, Gøtzsche PC, Ioannidis JP, et al. The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate health care interventions: explanation and elaboration. PLoS Med 2009;6(7):e1000100. CrossRef PubMed
- Naylor K, Ward J, Polite BN. Interventions to improve care related to colorectal cancer among racial and ethnic minorities: a systematic review. J Gen Intern Med 2012;27(8):1033–46. CrossRef PubMed
- Brouwers MC, De Vito C, Bahirathan L, Carol A, Carroll JC, Cotterchio M, et al. What implementation interventions increase cancer screening rates? A systematic review. Implement Sci 2011;6(1):111. CrossRef PubMed
- Morrow JB, Dallo FJ, Julka M. Community-based colorectal cancer screening trials with multi-ethnic groups: a systematic review. J Community Health 2010;35(6):592–601. CrossRef PubMed
- Gonzalez SA, Ziebarth TH, Wang J, Noor AB, Springer DL. Interventions promoting colorectal cancer screening in the Hispanic population: a review of the literature. J Nurs Scholarsh 2012;44(4):332–40. CrossRef PubMed
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Systematic reviews: CRD’s guidance for undertaking reviews in health care. York (UK): Centre for Reviews and Dissemination; 2009.
- The Joanna Briggs Institute. Joanna Briggs Institute reviewers’ manual: 2014 edition. Adelaide (AU): The University of Adelaide; 2014.
- Aragones A, Schwartz MD, Shah NR, Gany FM. A randomized controlled trial of a multilevel intervention to increase colorectal cancer screening among Latino immigrants in a primary care facility. J Gen Intern Med 2010;25(6):564–7. CrossRef PubMed
- Coronado GD, Golovaty I, Longton G, Levy L, Jimenez R. Effectiveness of a clinic-based colorectal cancer screening promotion program for underserved Hispanics. Cancer 2011;117(8):1745–54. CrossRef PubMed
- Jean-Jacques M, Kaleba EO, Gatta JL, Gracia G, Ryan ER, Choucair BN. Program to improve colorectal cancer screening in a low-income, racially diverse population: a randomized controlled trial. Ann Fam Med 2012;10(5):412–7. CrossRef PubMed
- Enard KR, Nevarez L, Hernandez M, Hovick SR, Moguel MR, Hajek RA, et al. Patient navigation to increase colorectal cancer screening among Latino Medicare enrollees: a randomized controlled trial. Cancer Causes Control 2015;26(9):1351–9. CrossRef PubMed
- Percac-Lima S, Grant RW, Green AR, Ashburner JM, Gamba G, Oo S, et al. A culturally tailored navigator program for colorectal cancer screening in a community health center: a randomized, controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med 2009;24(2):211–7. CrossRef PubMed
- Bastani R, Glenn BA, Maxwell AE, Ganz PA, Mojica CM, Alber S, et al. Randomized trial to increase colorectal cancer screening in an ethnically diverse sample of first-degree relatives. Cancer 2015;121(17):2951–9. CrossRef PubMed
- Jerant A, Kravitz RL, Sohler N, Fiscella K, Romero RL, Parnes B, et al. Sociopsychological tailoring to address colorectal cancer screening disparities: a randomized controlled trial. Ann Fam Med 2014;12(3):204–14. CrossRef PubMed
- Jimenez EA, Xie Y, Goldsteen K, Chalas E. Promoting knowledge of cancer prevention and screening in an underserved Hispanic women population: a culturally sensitive education program. Health Promot Pract 2011;12(5):689–95. CrossRef PubMed
- Sudarsan NR, Jandorf L, Erwin DO. Multi-site implementation of health education programs for Latinas. J Community Health 2011;36(2):193–203. CrossRef PubMed
- Larkey L. Las mujeres saludables: reaching Latinas for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer prevention and screening. J Community Health 2006;31(1):69–77. CrossRef PubMed
- Moralez EA, Rao SP, Livaudais JC, Thompson B. Improving knowledge and screening for colorectal cancer among Hispanics: overcoming barriers through a PROMOTORA-led home-based educational intervention. J Cancer Educ 2012;27(3):533–9. CrossRef PubMed
- Ramsay A, Schneider J. Improving cancer prevention and control: how state health agencies can support patient navigators and community health workers. Arlington (VA): The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials; 2012.
- Community Preventive Services Task Force. Cancer screening: multicomponent interventions — colorectal cancer, 2016. https://www.thecommunityguide.org/findings/cancer-screening-multicomponent-interventions-colorectal-cancer. Accessed September 26, 2017.
- Grant M, Wilford A, Haskins L, Phakathi S, Mntambo N, Horwood CM. Trust of community health workers influences the acceptance of community-based maternal and child health services. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2017;9(1):e1–8. CrossRef PubMed
- Kok MC, Kane SS, Tulloch O, Ormel H, Theobald S, Dieleman M, et al. How does context influence performance of community health workers in low- and middle-income countries? Evidence from the literature. Health Res Policy Syst 2015;13(1):13. CrossRef PubMed
- Cherrington A, Ayala GX, Amick H, Allison J, Corbie-Smith G, Scarinci I. Implementing the community health worker model within diabetes management: challenges and lessons learned from programs across the United States. Diabetes Educ 2008;34(5):824–33. CrossRef PubMed
- Roland KB, Milliken EL, Rohan EA, DeGroff A, White S, Melillo S, et al. Use of community health workers and patient navigators to improve cancer outcomes among patients served by Federally Qualified Health Centers: a systematic literature review. Health Equity 2017;1(1):61–76. CrossRef PubMed
- Glanz K, Rimer BK, Viswanath K. Health behavior: theory, research, and practice. 5th edition. New York (NY): John Wiley & Sons; 2015.
- Kurani N, Ranji U, Salganicoff A, Jankiewics A, Rousseau D. Health care coverage and access for men, 2013–2015. JAMA 2015;313(24):2414. CrossRef
Table
Error processing SSI file
The opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors’ affiliated institutions.