Improving colorectal cancer screening using behavioral economics
Official title: Behavioral Economic Approaches for Population-based Colorectal Cancer Screening
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11000832 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer by trying out different ways to encourage both doctors and patients, and it will involve about 20,000 patients who are due for screening at 30 different primary care clinics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | December 17, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $637,650 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA258893-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000832 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are average-risk adults who are overdue for colorectal cancer screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overdue for screening or those with a high risk of colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to increase colorectal cancer screening rates by applying behavioral economic principles. It will evaluate a multi-level intervention that includes clinician-directed nudges through electronic health records and direct outreach to patients. The study will compare the effectiveness of offering colonoscopy only versus a sequential choice of colonoscopy followed by a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for those who decline. Conducted at 30 diverse primary care practices, the trial will involve approximately 20,000 average-risk patients who are overdue for screening.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase colorectal cancer screening rates, leading to earlier detection and improved patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that behavioral economic approaches can effectively improve health screening rates, suggesting potential success for this intervention.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehta, Shivan Jatin — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Mehta, Shivan Jatin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.