Interventions to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake in Rural Settings: A Scoping Review

Christine M Kava; Judith Lee Smith; Emily K Kobernik; Jan M Eberth; Cynthia French; Sarah H Nash; Whitney E Zahnd; Ingrid J Hall

doi:10.5888/pcd22.250025

Back

Interventions to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake in Rural Settings: A Scoping Review

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Interventions to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake in Rural Settings: A Scoping Review

Christine M Kava, Judith Lee Smith, Emily K Kobernik, Jan M Eberth, Cynthia French, Sarah H Nash, Whitney E Zahnd and Ingrid J Hall

Preventing chronic disease, Vol.22, p.E44

07/17/2025

DOI: 10.5888/pcd22.250025

PMCID: PMC12335313

PMID: 40674655

View Online

Abstract

An estimated 6,000 preventable cancer deaths - including from colorectal cancer (CRC) - occurred in rural America in 2022. Screening can prevent CRC or identify disease at earlier stages when it is more treatable. However, national estimates for CRC screening lag behind Healthy People 2030 objectives. In rural settings, barriers to screening are unique and persistent. We performed a scoping review to describe the types and effectiveness of interventions to increase CRC screening in primarily rural settings. We included US-based studies published during January 2010 through May 2024. Interventions were categorized according to US Community Preventive Services Task Force-recommended strategies for multicomponent interventions. Of 508 unique publications identified, 36 met inclusion criteria. Most studies were multicomponent interventions (n = 34). Most studies were associated with an increase in CRC screening uptake. The most common intervention approaches were client reminders (eg, telephone reminders about screening) (n = 25), small media (eg, pamphlets) (n = 25), and reducing structural barriers to screening (eg, patient navigation) (n = 24). Over half (n = 21) of studies reported using a theory, framework, or research approach to inform intervention development, implementation, or evaluation. Six studies (17%) included cost evaluations. The studies included in this review represented less than half of all US states. This scoping review provides insight into CRC screening intervention implementation in rural settings. The limited geographic representation of the interventions included in our review may highlight an opportunity to improve implementation and dissemination of effective CRC screening interventions in rural settings to reduce CRC incidence and death.

United States

Colorectal Neoplasms - diagnosis

Colorectal Neoplasms - prevention & control

Early Detection of Cancer - methods

Early Detection of Cancer - statistics & numerical data

Humans

Mass Screening

Rural Population

Details

Title: Subtitle: Interventions to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake in Rural Settings: A Scoping Review
Creators: Christine M Kava - National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Judith Lee Smith - National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Emily K Kobernik - National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Jan M Eberth - Drexel University
Cynthia French - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Sarah H Nash - University of Iowa
Whitney E Zahnd - University of Iowa
Ingrid J Hall - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Preventing chronic disease, Vol.22, p.E44
DOI: 10.5888/pcd22.250025
PMID: 40674655
PMCID: PMC12335313
NLM abbreviation: Prev Chronic Dis
ISSN: 1545-1151
eISSN: 1545-1151
Publisher: CENTERS DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION
Language: English
Date published: 07/17/2025
Academic Unit: Health Management and Policy; Epidemiology; Center for Social Science Innovation; Community and Behavioral Health
Record Identifier: 9984848117902771

Metrics

4 Record Views

See more details