The Council of the European Union recommended new screening programs for lung, prostate and gastric cancers. We aimed to explore the perspectives of stakeholders involved in cancer screening at different levels, regarding the barriers and facilitators for the implementation of the new cancer screenings, and possible improvement suggestions. This qualitative study was based on semi-structured interviews with stakeholders involved in the management of cancer screening programs (HM), healthcare professionals (HP), patients’ representatives from associations or non-governmental associations (PR), and healthcare users (HU), from all mainland Portugal regions. Participants were selected through purposive and convenience sampling. The analysis of the transcripts was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). We interviewed 39 stakeholders: four HM, 22 HP, four PR, and nine HU. Two major themes were identified: implementation and associated barriers, facilitators, and suggestions, across all CFIR domains, further grouped into: 1) healthcare services’ capacity; 2) cancer screening effectiveness and unwanted effects; 3) health literacy and public and healthcare providers’ awareness; 4) factors that influence adherence to cancer screening; 5) existing cancer screening practices; 6) primary cancer screening test; 7) invitation; and 8) requirements; and prioritization among the programs. The implementation of new cancer screening programs needs to ensure equitable access, under a scenario of limited resources. It was emphasized the importance of using a participatory approach, involving stakeholders from relevant disciplines, healthcare settings, and system levels, as well as robust monitoring mechanisms. There was no consensus regarding the prioritization among the recommended cancer screenings. • We explored stakeholders’ views on implementing new cancer screening programs. • There was no consensus regarding which new program should be given higher priority. • Stakeholders emphasized that equity in access and close monitoring must be ensured. • The experience from ongoing programs must be considered when implementing new ones. • Resource dearth (human/technical/financial) hinders implementation of new programs.
Fernandes et al. (Fri,) studied this question.