A multi-component screening strategy increased breast cancer screening among patients experiencing homelessness and modestly improved cervical screening in the general population.
Observational
No
Does a multi-component screening strategy improve cancer screening rates among patients experiencing homelessness and the general population at an urban FQHC?
A multi-component implementation strategy addressing social determinants of health improved breast and cervical cancer screening rates in an urban FQHC, particularly among patients experiencing homelessness.
Abstract Background: To evaluate changes in cancer screening rates among patients experiencing homelessness compared with the general patient population—stratified by race and ethnicity—following implementation of a multi-component screening strategy at an urban FQHC. Methods: Through a national HRSA initiative linking FQHCs with NCI-designated cancer centers, we implemented peer navigation addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), community outreach, point-of-care text messaging, and a multi-ethnic public health campaign (“Cancer Screening for Life”). Electronic health record and administrative data supported a pre-post descriptive analysis of up-to-date breast (female), cervical (female), and colorectal cancer (all adults) screening rates. Outcomes were compared by housing status, race, and ethnicity. Results: Screening trends varied by cancer type and population: Conclusions and Implications: The multicomponent strategy increased breast cancer screening among patients experiencing homelessness and modestly improved cervical screening in the general population. Colorectal declines likely reflect expanded eligibility rather than reduced screening activity. Persistent disparities—especially among American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, and Unreported groups—and competing socioeconomic burdens highlight the need for interventions addressing SDOH. Strengthening screening implementation will require sustained peer navigation, SDOH-informed support, digital outreach, and culturally tailored messaging. In California’s high-cost environment, policies should incorporate family-centered supports, financial and housing stability resources, and routine stratification by housing status, race, and ethnicity to advance equity and improve screening uptake. Citation Format: Kim Tran, Kimlin Tam Ashing, Paul Gregerson, Narissa Nonzee. Changes in cancer screening rates by housing status, race, and ethnicity following a multi-component implementation strategy at an urban Federally Qualified Health Center, 2023-2025 abstract. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts) ; 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86 (8Suppl): Abstract nr LB389.
Tran et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Cancer screening. Multi-component screening strategy (peer navigation, community outreach, text messaging, public health campaign) vs. Pre-implementation period was evaluated on Up-to-date breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening rates. A multi-component screening strategy increased breast cancer screening among patients experiencing homelessness and modestly improved cervical screening in the general population.