Animated storytelling video to boost colorectal cancer screening
Official title: Using Short Animated Storytelling to Increase Intent for Colorectal Cancer Screening: A U.S. Online Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Stanford University · NCT07522177 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short animated video is being tested to see if it makes adults in the U.S. who haven’t been screened more likely to plan getting screened for colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 3000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 16, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07522177 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are U.S. residents who can read English and have not completed colorectal cancer screening.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals who have already completed screening or have a prior colorectal cancer diagnosis are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This online randomized trial compares a brief animated storytelling video with a neutral text to see which increases expectations to undergo colorectal cancer screening among eligible adults who have not yet been screened. Participants are recruited through Prolific and randomized in Stanford Qualtrics to view either the animation or informational text. Outcomes are measured immediately after exposure to determine the effect on screening intentions. The study is led by Stanford University with Heidelberg University as a collaborator and is conducted at Stanford, California.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the video could help increase colorectal cancer screening rates by changing intentions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using storytelling approaches have shown potential to influence health behaviors, though effects can vary by context.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Resides in the United States * Able to read and understand English * Self-reports not having completed colorectal cancer screening * Provides electronic informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Prior diagnosis of colorectal cancer * Self-reported completion of colorectal cancer screening
Where it's running
-
Stanford University
Stanford, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maya Adam, MD, PhD — Stanford University
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.