Disparities in cancer screening in people with mental illness across the world versus the general population: prevalence and comparative meta-analysis including 4 717 839 people

Summary

BACKGROUND: Since people with mental illness are more likely to die from cancer, we assessed whether people with mental illness undergo less cancer screening compared with the general population. METHODS: to assess study heterogeneity. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42018114781. FINDINGS: =97·84% and no publication bias). INTERPRETATION: Despite the increased mortality from cancer in people with mental illness, this population receives less cancer screening compared with that of the general population. Specific approaches should be developed to assist people with mental illness to undergo appropriate cancer screening, especially women with schizophrenia. FUNDING: None.