Implementation research: including breast examinations in a cervical cancer screening programme, Rwanda.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate whether integrating breast and cervical cancer screening in Rwanda's Women's Cancer Early Detection Program led to early breast cancer diagnoses in asymptomatic women.

Methods

Launched in three districts in 2018-2019, the early detection programme offered clinical breast examination screening for all women receiving cervical cancer screening, and diagnostic breast examination for women with breast cancer symptoms. Women with abnormal breast examinations were referred to district hospitals and then to referral hospitals if needed. We examined how often clinics were held, patient volumes and number of referrals. We also examined intervals between referrals and visits to the next care level and, among women diagnosed with cancer, their initial reasons for

SUBMITTER: Pace LE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10300777 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature