Monitoring online information and communication gaps about colon cancer screening
Using Natural Language Processing and Crowdsourcing to Monitor and Evaluate Public Information and Communication Disparities about Colon Cancer Screening
This project uses computer language tools and input from crowd volunteers to find what information people see and share online about colon cancer screening, especially for groups less likely to get screened.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322064 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will scan digital and social media using natural language processing to identify messages about colon cancer prevention and screening. Crowd volunteers will help label and interpret messages that are hard for computers to classify. Researchers will compare what different groups encounter online to find gaps or misleading information, including content about risks like alcohol use. Findings will be used to point out where communication could be improved or tailored to people at higher risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21 and older) who are eligible for colon cancer screening or concerned about CRC prevention—especially those from groups with lower screening rates or limited access to accurate online information—are the intended focus.
Not a fit: People under typical screening age, those who do not use online or social media, or individuals already well-informed about screening may not directly benefit from the project's communication changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could make online information about colon cancer screening clearer and better targeted so more people in at-risk groups get screened.
How similar studies have performed: NLP and crowdsourcing have helped monitor and improve messaging in other public-health areas, but applying these methods specifically to colon cancer screening disparities is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: King, Andy J — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: King, Andy J
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 below.