How Do Self-Examination Interventions For The Early Detection of Cancer Work? An Umbrella Review Protocol.

Background: Cancer is a major contributor to mortality and morbidity globally. A key prognostic factor for many cancers is early detection. Self-examination is often promoted as a method to detect cancer early for cancers that have early physical signs and symptoms. The type(s) of interventions capable of delivering behaviour change such as self-examination are complex with their description historically lacking. This umbrella review protocol sets out the methodology for summarising the evidence surrounding self-examination for four major cancers; breast, testicular, oral and skin. The review aims to answer the following question: What are the components of self-examination programmes for early detection of cancer and are they effective in bringing about actions that could lead to early detection of cancer in post pubescent people.

Methods: The methodology has been informed by the PRISMA-P checklist for systematic reviews and the JBI methodology for umbrella reviews. Narrative synthesis will include detail on effectiveness of interventions alongside coding of intervention components using Intervention Taxonomy and the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy Version 1. AMSTAR-2 will be used to assess quality of included studies.

Discussion: The review will provide a summary of the existing evidence with descriptions of interventions whilst identifying gaps for future research in this area.

Registration: Prospero: CRD42021285966