Promoting the early detection of cancer: A systematic review of community pharmacy-based education and screening interventions

Abstract

Background: Given that the burden of cancer is set to increase globally, strategies are needed to improve the early detection of cancer. As such, increasing focus is now placed on promoting the early detection of cancer through education and screening interventions. One healthcare setting that has significant potential in delivering these approaches is the community pharmacy. Aims: This study aimed to systematically review the literature to identify and assess the current evidence for the role of community pharmacies in delivering early cancer detection initiatives. Method: A systematic literature search of four databases was undertaken (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO) from inception to June 2015 to identify peer-reviewed intervention studies. Results: A total of 3711 articles were identified from the search, of which twelve were included in the review. The studies focused on a range of different cancers and showed it is feasible to recruit patients to education and screening interventions within a community pharmacy setting. However, the interventions were poorly described in the literature. Conclusion: There is significant potential for community pharmacy to deliver education and screeningbased interventions to promote the early detection of cancer, but more evidence is needed to ascertain how interventions delivered in this setting impact on patient outcomes.