Pharmacist-Led Interventions for Colorectal Cancer Prevention: A Systematic Review

TL;DR

Pharmacists can help increase colorectal cancer screening and awareness through targeted interventions, suggesting a new role for them in cancer prevention.

Contribution

This study is the first systematic review to evaluate the role of pharmacists in colorectal cancer prevention programs.

Findings

Pharmacist-led initiatives increased screening participation for colorectal cancer.

These interventions improved knowledge about colorectal cancer risk factors and prevention strategies.

Referral rates for colorectal cancer screening were enhanced through pharmacist involvement.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is a major health concern worldwide. Although preventive strategies such as early screening, lifestyle counseling, and risk awareness campaigns are affordable and could be effective in reducing its incidence, public awareness about colorectal cancer prevention and adherence to preventive measures are often poor and established public health strategies are generally insufficient. Pharmacists are increasingly contributing to various prevention programs and could support colorectal cancer prevention efforts. Hence, in this systematic review, we assessed pharmacist-led initiatives targeting colorectal cancer prevention. Although only a small number of studies were identified, the findings indicate that pharmacist-led activities can increase screening participation and improve knowledge of colorectal cancer prevention strategies. These results suggest that pharmacists could play a more substantial role in colorectal cancer prevention programs in the future.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, despite existing effective prevention strategies. Pharmacists are increasingly involved in various colorectal cancer prevention programs and are well-positioned to support these prevention efforts. In this systematic review, we investigate evidence regarding pharmacist-led interventions for colorectal cancer prevention by conducting a comprehensive search across the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PubMed, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Studies were included only if they examined the role of pharmacists in early colorectal cancer detection and screening, lifestyle counseling to support prevention, and risk awareness and education. Risk of bias was assessed using the Pre–Post Quality Assessment developed by the National Institutes of Health. A total of 1405 studies were identified, of which four were included in the review. The included studies were quasi-experimental studies that mainly addressed screening awareness with fecal immunochemical test distribution, referrals, and counseling. The results of these studies showed an increase in screening participation, an improvement in knowledge of colorectal cancer risk factors and screening, and enhanced colorectal cancer referral rates. This systematic review highlights the potential of pharmacist-led interventions in enhancing colorectal cancer prevention efforts, but further well-designed studies are needed.

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