Afrocentric screening program for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer among immigrant patients in Ontario

Problem addressed Black and immigrant populations across Canada have lower screening rates than Canadian-born white populations, predisposing them to increased cancer morbidity and mortality. Effective interventions are required to increase cancer screening rates among these populations.

Objective of program To improve breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer screening rates at TAIBU Community Health Centre, which has a mandate to provide primary health care services to the Black and immigrant community in the greater Toronto area.

Program description An Afrocentric quality improvement program was developed and implemented, consisting of provider audits, cancer screening education programs, a patient call-back program, and a mammography promotion day.

Conclusion TAIBU Community Health Centre’s continuous quality improvement approach was successful in engaging health care providers and patients to increase cancer screening participation sustainably in a racially and socioeconomically diverse setting. Rates of breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer screening offered to eligible patients increased from 17% to 72%, 18% to 67%, and 59% to 70%, respectively, between 2011 and 2018.