A guide to resources for finding, choosing, adapting, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based approaches (EBAs) to promote cancer screening in underserved groups

Background: EBAs to promote cancer screening could reduce disparities. Many planners are not using EBA resources, and users encounter challenges. Method: Search engines, links from Community Guide and Cancer Control P.L.A.N.E.T. websites, and advice from state cancer coalitions and NCI's Cancer Information Service Partnership Program led us to resources meeting availability, sponsor authority, relevance, and timeliness criteria. We are evaluating each for adequacy of information about >1 EBA tasks (finding, choosing, adapting, implementing, evaluating), session-to-session continuity, navigational ease, and relevant links, e.g., cancer screening-specific EBAs/programs. Result: Based on 2005 Guide reviews 6 of 12 approaches for cervical, 8/12 for breast, and 6/12 for colorectal cancer were recommended, yet only 40% of these EBAs had links to >1 Research-Tested Intervention Programs (RTIPs). RTIPs advice for choosing, adapting, and implementing programs is quite limited, although a few implementation protocols have been added. Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions [for HIV prevention] gives more detailed general support for adaptation; other resources support evaluation [e.g., for tobacco]. P.L.A.N.E.T. helps link users to program/research partners. We suggest other ways to find EBAs and what to do with “insufficient evidence.” Conclusion: Resources for using EBAs to reduce screening disparities are available, although finding programs for priority populations and adapting them for others can be daunting without deeper, screening-specific help/technical assistance. We bring together the best available resources to support users and we offer help to bridge important gaps. We also highlight problems that must be addressed if current knowledge is to benefit the underserved.