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

Objective: This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of community-based health worker (CBHW) interventions for early detection of cancer. Secondary aims were to consider the extent that interventions were based on theory, and potential moderators including behaviour change techniques (BCTs). Methods: Six databases were searched for randomized controlled trials. Random-effects meta-analyses were applied to 30 eligible studies with a cancer screening outcome. Results: Participation in CBHW interventions was associated with increased receipt of screening (OR =1.901, 95% CI: 1.60-2.26, p