Meta-analysis of studies of impact of patient navigation services for breast and cervical cancer screening and follow-up

Screening and follow-up rates for breast and cervical cancer vary across socioeconomic and demographic groups. In a systematic review and meta-analysis of 42 randomized clinical trials with 39,111 participants, rates of screening and follow-up were compared between women who were offered patient navigation services and women who received usual health care. Following patient navigation, rates were 13.8% higher for breast cancer screening and 16.5% higher for cervical cancer screening, and higher for follow-up after abnormal screening results. The authors conclude that patient navigation services can effectively increase breast and cervical screening and follow-up.