Impact of SMS Messaging on Participation in Colorectal Cancer Screening.
Impact of SMS Notifications on the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program.
Corporacion Parc Tauli
10,084 participants
May 5, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of mortality in Catalonia. Although early detection programs using the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) are effective in reducing both incidence and mortality, their success relies on high population participation. Currently, in the Vallès Occidental region, the participation rate stands at 42%, which is below the 65% minimum recommended by European health authorities. The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether sending a reminder text message (SMS) is an effective tool to increase participation in the screening program. The study will include 10,084 participants aged between 50 and 69 years. Half of the participants will receive a reminder SMS five weeks after their initial invitation, while the other half will follow the standard of care involving postal letters. Researchers anticipate that this strategy will not only increase the number of individuals undergoing screening but also shorten the response time and reduce the need for sending postal reminders.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria3
- Women and men aged 50 to 69 years.
- Residents of the Vallès Occidental area.
- Individuals invited to the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program (PDPCCR) who have not participated within 5 weeks of the initial invitation.
Exclusion Criteria6
- Personal history of colorectal cancer.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Colorectal polyps requiring specific clinical follow-up.
- Hereditary polyposis syndromes.
- High-risk family history of colorectal cancer: a first-degree relative diagnosed before age 50, or two or more first-degree relatives at any age.
- Severe morbidity that precludes the performance of a colonoscopy in the event of a positive test result.
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Interventions
Behavioral intervention consisting of a one-way text message (SMS) sent to the mobile phones of participants who have not completed the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) following the initial invitation. Frequency and Timing: A single SMS is sent exactly 5 weeks after the issuance of the standard invitation letter, one week prior to the scheduled postal reminder. Platform: The delivery is centrally managed through the secure 'Alhora' platform. The message was previously validated through a qualitative pilot study to ensure readability and acceptability by the target population (aged 50-69).
Control intervention based on the colorectal cancer screening program's usual standard of care. Components and Timing: 1. Delivery of a nominal invitation letter at week 0, including program information and instructions for collecting the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kit at community pharmacies. 2. In the event of non-participation, delivery of a physical postal reminder letter at week 6. Duration: Participation follow-up for both components concludes 3 months after the initial invitation. This study arm receives no digital or telephone-based stimuli during the study period.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07628998