Patient Navigation Improves Subsequent Breast Cancer Screening After a Noncancerous Result: Evidence from the Patient Navigation in Medically Underserved Areas Study

Abstract Background: Past efforts to assess patient navigation on cancer screening utilization have focused on one-time uptake, which may not be sufficient in the long term. This is partially due to limited resources for in-person, longitudinal patient navigation. We examine the effectiveness of a low-intensity phone- and mail-based navigation on multiple screening episodes with a focus on screening uptake after receiving noncancerous results during a previous screening episode. Methods: The is a secondary analysis of patients who participated in a randomized controlled patient navigation trial in Chicago. Participants include women referred for a screening mammogram, aged 50–74 years, and with a history of benign/normal screening results. Navigation services focused on identification of barriers and intervention via shared decision-making processes. A multivariable logistic regression intent-to-treat model was used to examine differences in odds of obtaining a screening mammogram within 2 years of the in...