Improving colorectal cancer screening using mobile text messages
Official title: Increasing CRC Screening in Community Health Centers through Mobile Messaging Optimization
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11129073 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer by sending friendly text message reminders to patients at Community Health Centers, making it easier for them to participate in important screening programs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $696,852 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA293501-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129073 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 45 and older who are patients at Community Health Centers and have not yet been screened for colorectal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 45 years old or those who have already been screened for colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance colorectal cancer screening rates in Community Health Centers (CHCs) by optimizing mobile messaging strategies. The study will involve developing effective text message reminders that encourage patients to participate in screening programs, particularly focusing on fecal immunochemical tests (FIT). By collaborating with CHCs across the US, the research will assess the best messaging approaches to engage patients and improve screening rates, addressing the barriers posed by staffing shortages and increased screening demands. The project will utilize a randomized design to evaluate the effectiveness of these optimized messages.
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 mobile messaging can improve patient engagement in health screenings, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Emmons, Karen M. — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Emmons, Karen M.
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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.