Reducing fear and using targeted messages to improve colorectal cancer screening in African Americans
Official title: Colorectal screening fear-reduction and racially-targeted norm messaging entreaties to increase colorectal cancer screening rates among African Americans
Funded at Oakland University · NIH-10495334 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help more African Americans feel comfortable getting screened for colorectal cancer by addressing their fears and using messages that speak directly to their experiences, so they can more easily take part in at-home screening tests.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oakland University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $167,495 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MD016506-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10495334 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American individuals who may have hesitations or fears about colorectal cancer screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as African American or those who are already compliant with colorectal cancer screening guidelines may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to address the low colorectal cancer screening rates among African Americans by focusing on reducing fears associated with screening procedures and utilizing racially-targeted messaging. The study will explore how these fear-reduction strategies and tailored messages can encourage more individuals to participate in at-home stool-based screening tests. By understanding the impact of racial identity on screening intentions, the research seeks to create effective interventions that resonate with African American communities. The goal is to increase awareness and uptake of colorectal cancer screenings, ultimately aiming to reduce health disparities in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase colorectal cancer screening rates among African Americans, leading to earlier detection and improved health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeted health messaging can effectively influence health behaviors in minority populations, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Oakland University
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Manning, Mark a — Oakland University
- Study coordinator: Manning, Mark a
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.
-
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.
-
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.