Are community-based health worker interventions an effective approach for early diagnosis of cancer? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Community-based health worker interventions are an effective resource for increasing uptake of all 3 types of cancer screening in ethnic minority groups. Those previously non-adherent with recommended schedules of cancer screening benefitted the most from the CBHW approach. However, better quality studies based on more explicit evidence-based theory are needed to optimise the effectiveness of CBHW interventions on screening uptake. Further research is needed to ascertain whether CBHWs can help promote symptom recognition and help-seeking behaviour to facilitate early diagnosis of cancer.