PreCharge: a digital program to boost coping and health engagement for people with hereditary cancer mutations
Official title: PreCharge: An Innovative Digital Program to Increase Coping, Resilience, and Health Care Engagement Among Cancer Previvors
Funded at Pro-Change Behavior Systems, INC. · NIH-11255582 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A digital program to help people who carry inherited cancer risk build resilience, reduce anxiety about screening, and stay connected with their health care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pro-Change Behavior Systems, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Narragansett, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,051,590 |
| NIH project number | 2R44CA275673-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11255582 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults who have tested positive for hereditary cancer syndrome mutations (for example Lynch syndrome or BRCA) and who experience anxiety, worry about screening, or need support with adherence to surveillance.
✕Less likely to help
People without inherited cancer risk, those with active advanced cancer receiving treatment, or people without regular internet/phone access are unlikely to benefit from this digital previvor-focused program.
What this research studies
I am someone who tested positive for a hereditary cancer mutation (a previvor), and this program offers an app-like experience with assessments, tailored feedback, interactive activities, and text-message support to help me cope. The team built PreCharge from earlier work and includes just-in-time tools meant to reduce ‘‘scanxiety’’ and strengthen coping skills. The program also aims to encourage regular surveillance and better communication with health care providers. Over the project period the developers will refine the digital tools and study how people use them and respond.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, PreCharge could lower screening-related anxiety and help previvors stick with recommended surveillance and care, improving early detection and emotional well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Digital and text-message behavioral programs have shown benefit for adherence and mental health in other cancer and chronic-disease groups, but interventions tailored specifically for previvors are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Pro-Change Behavior Systems, INC.
Narragansett, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evers, Kerry — Pro-Change Behavior Systems, INC.
- Study coordinator: Evers, Kerry
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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.