Background:
Although cancer screenings can identify an early onset of cancer, adherence in italy in 2019 is less than 23%. Therefore, this study aimed to test the effectiveness of invitation methods in cancer screening programmes to improve adherence to practices that could save lives and increase quality of life of potential patients.

Methods:
The research consisted in an overview conducted in august 2021. All studies focused on the effectiveness of invitations methods in cancer screenings performed worldwide (e.g. leaflet, letters, doctors advice) between january 2010 and july 2021 and involving only the general population suited for the screenings available in italy (cervical, breast and colorectal cancer). The outcome was to list and summarize the different invitation methodologies studied over the last 10 years and to highlight their effectiveness.

Results:
5513 records were screened by two authors and data extraction is ongoing. the selected papers consisted of 29 systematic reviews (37.93% colorectal, 27.59% breast, 17.24% cervical screenings): 93.1% were european, 3.45% american, and 3.35% oceanic. In particular, 20.69% of the studies compared sending an invitation letter versus letter and reminder letter, 13.79% letter versus letter and brochure, 13.79% letter versus two or more methods of contact, 10.34% letter versus letter and sms, 10.34%letter versus phone call, 2.69% letter or brochure versus medical counseling. Phone calls, medical advice and brochures increased the adherence of the screening (61.11% had a proven effectiveness); sending a second letter in close proximity to the screening test was not worthwhile (63.63% was ineffective or had no significant results).

Conclusions:
The population was more inclined to adhere to screening if receiving an individual and personal contact rather than a second letter, or a text message or a brochure sent at home.