Improving colorectal cancer screening decisions for older adults with low health literacy
Official title: Shared decision-making and colorectal cancer screening behaviors among older adults with low health literacy
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10782505 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping older adults who may find it hard to understand health information make better choices about colorectal cancer screening by creating an easy-to-read pamphlet that addresses their needs and preferences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2020 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $126,626 |
| NIH project number | 5K23AG062795-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10782505 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 76-85 years who have low health literacy and are considering colorectal cancer screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 76 years or those with adequate health literacy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing colorectal cancer screening among older adults who struggle with low health literacy. It aims to understand their specific information needs and perceptions regarding screening options. The project will develop a user-friendly decision aid in the form of a pamphlet tailored for this demographic, followed by a pilot trial to assess its effectiveness. By involving older adults in shared decision-making, the research seeks to ensure that their values and preferences are considered in screening decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved colorectal cancer screening rates and better health outcomes for older adults with low health literacy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that tailored decision aids can effectively improve health outcomes in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cadet, Tamara J. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Cadet, Tamara J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.
This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.
-
Making colorectal cancer screening easier and more likely to happen
This project uses default options, simpler choices, and direct outreach to help average-risk adults who are overdue complete colorectal cancer screening with colonoscopy or stool tests.
-
AI/AN Tailoring of a Home-Based Cervical and Colorectal Cancer Screening Program
A tailored, home-based cancer screening program helps AI/AN adults screen for cervical and colorectal cancer from home using self-collection tests and culturally aligned education.
-
Bringing colorectal cancer screening to adults 45–54 who haven’t been screened
A grant to help low-income adults aged 45–54 start colorectal cancer screening through the Boston area’s community health centers.
-
Increasing follow-up colonoscopies after a positive FIT in community clinics
Aims to help people with abnormal stool tests for colorectal cancer get timely follow-up colonoscopies in safety-net clinics.
-
Colorectal cancer screening with real-time imaging that may replace sedated scopes
Researchers are testing a new imaging method called optical coherence tomography (OCT) to spot and treat colon polyps without the need for sedation during a screening colonoscopy.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.