Digital health for environmentally sustainable cancer screening

This study explores the role of digital health in promoting environmental sustainability through a pilot study performed in rural areas in Tuscany (Italy). A multi-screening model, based on a mobile multi-screening unit (MMSU) and digital health tools, was deployed to reduce the travelled distances required for cancer screening. Serving 19 municipalities in a mountainous area, the MMSU reduced patient and caregivers’ travel, cutting CO2-equivalent emissions by over 90% compared to conventional healthcare models. The project demonstrates how integrating digital health technologies, such as telemedicine for data transmission and centralised reporting, can enhance healthcare accessibility and environmental sustainability. By consolidating multiple screenings into one visit, the MMSU model offers a scalable solution for reducing healthcare’s carbon footprint while addressing barriers to care in underserved areas. This pilot study highlights the potential of digital health to align service delivery with environmental objectives, contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable healthcare innovation.