Evaluating the Impact of a Mobile Unit in a Cancer Screening Program Among Vulnerable Populations in Brazil

In Brazil, inequities in accessing healthcare are linked to socioeconomic disparities. Poor and middle-income countries â like Brazil â bear the highest burden of cancer morbidity and mortality; yet typically do not have structured screening programs. My research aims to evaluate an innovative program in Brazil for screening breast, cervical, prostate and skin cancer. To combat inequities in access to healthcare, Brazil has implemented mobile units (MUs) to
proactively reach vulnerable populations and provide essential screening and health promotion services. My research will investigate the effectiveness of MUs in Brazil, including statistical analysis on the increase of early detection and the reduction in complications that occur due to invasive cancer. I will also be assessing operational measures of MUs (e.g., cost and viability). The research findings will provide an assessment of Brazilâs MU program intended to inform decision-making at local, national and international levels, as well as how similar interventions for vulnerable populations can be implemented elsewhere. Improving cancer screening can save lives, reduce treatment costs, and reduce inequalities in avoidable cancer mortality.

Faculty Supervisor:

Eduardo Franco

Student:

Zoë Greenwald

Partner:

Discipline:

Epidemiology / Public health and policy

Sector:

University:

McGill University

Program:

Globalink