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AHRQ Research Studies Date
Topics
- (-) Cancer (18)
- Cancer: Breast Cancer (5)
- Cancer: Cervical Cancer (1)
- Cancer: Colorectal Cancer (1)
- Cancer: Lung Cancer (5)
- Cancer: Ovarian Cancer (1)
- Cancer: Skin Cancer (1)
- Case Study (6)
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- Evidence-Based Practice (12)
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- (-) Screening (18)
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- Shared Decision Making (1)
- (-) U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) (18)
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AHRQ Research Studies
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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Results
1 to 18 of 18 Research Studies DisplayedEstenson L, Kim N, Jacobson M
Do age-based discontinuation recommendations influence cervical cancer screening rates? Evidence from the United States' Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2016 and 2018.
The purpose of this study was to determine how the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation of discontinuing routine cervical cancer screening for certain women after age 65 affects Papanicolaou (Pap) test rates among women at age 66 in the United States. The researchers utilized nationally representative 2016 and 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data for 226,031 women ages 56-76 to calculate changes in annual Pap test rates at age 66. Among women 66-76, 22.5% indicated they had received a Pap test within the past year. At age 66, annual Pap rates decreased by 5.9 percentage points (p.p.) off a pre-66 rate of 39 percent. The change differed by race/ethnicity, education, and marital status. Pap rates did not change discretely for non-Hispanic Black women but did change for women from other racial/ethnic groups. The decrease was larger for women who graduated college than for women without a college degree and for women who were never married than for women who were married/partnered or divorced/separated. The USPSTF recommendation to stop cervical cancer screening after the age of 65 resulted in a substantial decrease in the rate of Pap tests at age 66 but disparately affects women based on marital status, education and race.
AHRQ-funded; HS026488.
Citation: Estenson L, Kim N, Jacobson M .
Do age-based discontinuation recommendations influence cervical cancer screening rates? Evidence from the United States' Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2016 and 2018.
Prev Med 2023 Jul; 172:107543. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107543..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Cervical Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Women, Sexual Health
Henrikson NB, Ivlev I, Blasi PR
Skin cancer screening: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the advantages and potential risks of skin cancer screening to assist the decision-making of the US Preventive Services Task Force. The researchers utilized the data sources MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, dated between June 1, 2015, and January 7, 2022. Two independent reviewers evaluated the articles and extracted pertinent data from studies of fair or good quality; the findings were summarized narratively. The primary outcomes and indicators were morbidity; mortality; stage, precursor lesions, or lesion thickness of skin cancer at detection; potential harms of screening. Twenty studies from 29 articles were included (N = 6,053,411). Direct evidence on the effectiveness of screening was obtained from 3 nonrandomized analyses of 2 population-based skin cancer screening initiatives in Germany (n = 1,791,615), indicating no significant reduction in melanoma mortality benefit at the population level over a period of 4 to 10 years of follow up activities. Six studies (n = 2,935,513) offered inconclusive evidence on the relationship between physician-conducted skin examination and lesion thickness or stage at diagnosis. Usual care vs. routine physician-conducted skin examination was not associated with increased detection of skin cancer or precursor lesions (5 studies) or stage at melanoma detection (3 studies). The correlation between physician-conducted skin examination and lesion thickness at detection was inconsistent (3 studies). Nine studies (n = 1 326 051) found a consistent positive association between more advanced stage at melanoma detection and increasing risk of melanoma-associated and all-cause mortality. Two studies (n = 232) found negligible enduring cosmetic or psychosocial harms related to screening.
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120D00004.
Citation: Henrikson NB, Ivlev I, Blasi PR .
Skin cancer screening: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2023 Apr 18; 329(15):1296-307. doi: 10.1001/jama.2023.3262..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Skin Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines
Fan T, Stefanos R
AHRQ Author: Fan T
Screening for colorectal cancer.
This AHRQ-authored Putting Preventions in Practice quiz has three questions and answers on the US Preventive Services Task Force final recommendation on screening for colorectal cancer. A case study is presented with questions on the best behavioral interventions, the effect of a patient’s age on the counseling approach, and what is an appropriate test and interval for colorectal screening. References are also provided at the end of the answers.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Fan T, Stefanos R .
Screening for colorectal cancer.
Am Fam Physician 2021 Sep 1;104(3):295-96..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Case Study
Tracer H, Pierre J
AHRQ Author: Tracer H
Screening for lung cancer.
This paper is part of the “Putting Prevention into Practice” series. It provides an evidence-based case study related to lung cancer screening. Questions and answers related to the case are included.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Tracer H, Pierre J .
Screening for lung cancer.
Am Fam Physician 2021 Jul 1;104(1):79-80..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Lung Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Case Study, Evidence-Based Practice
Meza R, Jeon J, Toumazis I
Evaluation of the benefits and harms of lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography: modeling study for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of this study was to inform the USPSTF guidelines by estimating the benefits and harms associated with various low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening strategies. Microsimulation modeling studies suggested that LDCT screening for lung cancer compared with no screening may increase lung cancer deaths averted and life-years gained when optimally targeted and implemented. Screening individuals at aged 50 or 55 years through aged 80 years with 20 pack-years or more of smoking exposure was estimated to result in more benefits than the 2013 USPSTF-recommended criteria and less disparity in screening eligibility by sex and race/ethnicity.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500011I.
Citation: Meza R, Jeon J, Toumazis I .
Evaluation of the benefits and harms of lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography: modeling study for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2021 Mar 9;325(10):988-97. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.1077..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Lung Cancer, Cancer, Imaging, Screening, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines
Jonas DE, Reuland DS, Reddy SM
Screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of this study was to review the evidence on screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) to inform the USPSTF. Findings showed that screening high-risk persons with LDCT can reduce lung cancer mortality but can also cause false-positive results leading to unnecessary tests and invasive procedures, overdiagnosis, incidental findings, increases in distress, and, rarely, radiation-induced cancers.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500011I.
Citation: Jonas DE, Reuland DS, Reddy SM .
Screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2021 Mar 9;325(10):971-87. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.0377..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Lung Cancer, Cancer, Imaging, Screening, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice
Reese TJ, Schlechter CR, Potter LN
Evaluation of revised US Preventive Services Task Force lung cancer screening guideline among women and racial/ethnic minority populations.
The purpose of this study was to determine the changes associated with the revised USPSTF guideline for lung cancer screening eligibility among female, Black, and Hispanic populations using a large nationwide survey. The investigators concluded that the revised USPSTF guideline may likely increase lung cancer screening rates for female, Black, and Hispanic populations. However, despite these potential improvements, lung cancer screening inequities may persist without tailored eligibility criteria.
AHRQ-funded; HS026198.
Citation: Reese TJ, Schlechter CR, Potter LN .
Evaluation of revised US Preventive Services Task Force lung cancer screening guideline among women and racial/ethnic minority populations.
JAMA Netw Open 2021 Jan;4(1):e2033769. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.33769..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Lung Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Women, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice
Eden KB, Ivlev I, Bensching KL
Use of an online breast cancer risk assessment and patient decision aid in primary care practices.
A cross-sectional study evaluating a web-based breast cancer risk assessment and decision aid (MammoScreen) was conducted in an academic general internal medicine clinic. Breast cancer risk assessment and mammography screening decision support were efficiently implemented through a web-based tool for patients sent through an electronic patient portal. Findings indicated that integration of patient decision aids with risk algorithms in clinical practice may help support the implementation of USPSTF recommendations that include risk assessment and shared decision-making.
AHRQ-funded; HS026370.
Citation: Eden KB, Ivlev I, Bensching KL .
Use of an online breast cancer risk assessment and patient decision aid in primary care practices.
J Womens Health 2020 Jun;29(6):763-69. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2019.8143..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Shared Decision Making, Risk, Health Information Technology (HIT), Prevention, Women
Mills J, Fakolade A
AHRQ Author: Mills J
Risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing for BRCA-related cancer.
In this case study, a 31-year-old woman presents for a well-woman examination. She indicates that her mother was diagnosed with tubal cancer at age 40, that her 42-year-old sister was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and that her maternal aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Mills J, Fakolade A .
Risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing for BRCA-related cancer.
Am Fam Physician 2020 Feb 15;101(4):239-40..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Genetics, Screening, Women, Prevention, Case Study
Tracer H, Sanou A
AHRQ Author: Tracer H
Screening for pancreatic cancer.
This “Putting Prevention into Practice: An Evidence Based Approach” case study, is based on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation for pancreatic cancer screening. It describes a patient scenario and poses questions.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Tracer H, Sanou A .
Screening for pancreatic cancer.
Am Fam Physician 2019 Dec 15;100(12):771-72..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Screening, Prevention, Cancer, Case Study, Primary Care
Henrikson NB, Bowles EJ, Blasi PR
Screening for pancreatic cancer: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The authors systematically reviewed the benefits and harms of screening for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in order to inform the USPSTF. They found that imaging-based screening in groups at high familial risk can detect pancreatic adenocarcinoma with limited evidence of minimal harms. However, the effect of screening on morbidity and mortality in groups at high familial risk has not been studied, and no data are available in average-risk populations. They conclude that there is limited evidence to assess benefits or harms of surgical intervention for screen-detected pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
AHRQ-funded; 2902015000071.
Citation: Henrikson NB, Bowles EJ, Blasi PR .
Screening for pancreatic cancer: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2019 Aug 6;322(5):445-54. doi: 10.1001/jama.2019.6190..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer, Screening, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines, Prevention
Davies L, Petitti DB, Martin L
Defining, estimating, and communicating overdiagnosis in cancer screening.
Overdiagnosis represents one harm of too much medicine, but the concept can be confusing. Because the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issues screening recommendations aimed largely at healthy persons, it has a particular interest in understanding harms related to screening, especially but not limited to overdiagnosis. In support of the USPSTF, the authors summarize the knowledge and provide guidance on defining, estimating, and communicating overdiagnosis in cancer screening.
AHRQ-funded; 290201200015I; 290201600006C.
Citation: Davies L, Petitti DB, Martin L .
Defining, estimating, and communicating overdiagnosis in cancer screening.
Ann Intern Med 2018 Jul 3;169(1):36-43. doi: 10.7326/m18-0694..
Keywords: Cancer, Communication, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Screening, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
Lin JS, Bowles EJA, Williams SB
Screening for thyroid cancer: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The researchers systematically reviewed the benefits and harms associated with thyroid cancer screening and treatment of early thyroid cancer in asymptomatic adults to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. They concluded that although ultrasonography of the neck using high-risk sonographic characteristics plus follow-up cytology from fine-needle aspiration can identify thyroid cancers, it is unclear if population-based or targeted screening can decrease mortality rates or improve important patient health outcomes.
AHRQ-funded; 290201200015I.
Citation: Lin JS, Bowles EJA, Williams SB .
Screening for thyroid cancer: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2017 May 9;317(18):1888-903. doi: 10.1001/jama.2017.0562.
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Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Screening, Cancer, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines
Wernli KJ, Henrikson NB, Morrison CC
Screening for skin cancer in adults: Updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The researchers updated a systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force regarding clinical skin cancer screening among adults. No randomized clinical trials were identified. There was limited evidence on the association between skin cancer screening and mortality. Future research on skin cancer screening should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of targeted screening in those considered to be at higher risk for skin cancer.
AHRQ-funded.
Citation: Wernli KJ, Henrikson NB, Morrison CC .
Screening for skin cancer in adults: Updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2016 Jul 26;316(4):436-47. doi: 10.1001/jama.2016.5415.
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Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice
Croswell J, Owings J
Screening for breast cancer.
This case study involves a 47-year-old woman who presents to your office for a well-woman visit. She is healthy, takes no medications, and has no health concerns. She has never been diagnosed with breast cancer, nor have any of her first-degree relatives. Her digital mammography two years ago was negative, and she asks whether she should be screened again this year. The study poses three multiple choice questions together with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations and related background information.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Croswell J, Owings J .
Screening for breast cancer.
Am Fam Physician 2016 Jul 15;94(2):143-4.
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Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Women, Imaging, Case Study
Lee K, Rossi C
AHRQ Author: Lee K
Risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing for BRCA-related cancer in women.
L.M. is a 37-year-old nonsmoking woman who is not taking any medications and has no significant past medical problems. As breast cancer runs in her family, she is interested in genetic testing for breast cancer. This case study poses three multiple choice questions together with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations and related background information.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Lee K, Rossi C .
Risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing for BRCA-related cancer in women.
Am Fam Physician 2015 Jan 15;91(2):119-20.
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Keywords: Cancer, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Case Study, Family Health and History, Genetics, Prevention, Risk, Screening, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Women
Smieliauskas F, MacMahon H, Salgia R
Geographic variation in radiologist capacity and widespread implementation of lung cancer CT screening.
The researchers estimated the prevalence of capacity constraints in the radiologist workforce and resulting potential disparities in access to lung cancer screening. They found that scaling up lung cancer screening would increase imaging procedures by an average of 4% across Health Service Areas (HSAs). HSAs that were rural, with many eligible smokers, and disproportionately Hispanic or low-income smokers had significantly higher odds of facing capacity constraints.
AHRQ-funded; HS018535.
Citation: Smieliauskas F, MacMahon H, Salgia R .
Geographic variation in radiologist capacity and widespread implementation of lung cancer CT screening.
J Med Screen 2014 Dec;21(4):207-15. doi: 10.1177/0969141314548055..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer, Cancer: Lung Cancer, Screening, Imaging
Nelson HD, Pappas M, Zakher B
Risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing for BRCA-related cancer in women: a systematic review to update the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation.
This systematic review was done in support of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated recommendation on the benefit and harms of risk assessment, genetic testing, and genetic counseling for BRCA-related cancer in women. A systematic review was done on literature from 2004 to July 30, 2013 from MEDLINE, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Health Technology Assessment, Scopus, and reference lists. Data on the participants, study design, analysis, follow-up, and results was extracted and a second investigator confirmed key data. The studies were rated on study quality and applicability. The analysis found women with high-risk for breast cancer had decreased risk of breast cancer by 85% to 100% by having a mastectomy, and risk of mortality by 81% to 100% compared to women without surgery. There was also a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer after having salpingo-oopherectomy surgery.
AHRQ-funded; 290200710057
Citation: Nelson HD, Pappas M, Zakher B .
Risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing for BRCA-related cancer in women: a systematic review to update the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation.
Ann Intern Med 2014 Feb 18;160(4):255-66. doi: 10.7326/m13-1684..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer: Ovarian Cancer, Cancer, Genetics, Screening, Prevention, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Women, Risk, Family Health and History