Improving colorectal cancer screening adherence in Barcelos and Esposende

Interventions to Increase Adherence to Colorectal Cancer Screening in Barcelos/Esposende: a Randomized Clinical Trial

This study is testing if sending text messages and making phone calls can help people aged 50 to 74 in Barcelos and Esposende get screened for colorectal cancer more often.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 1038 (estimated)
• Ages: 49 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Local Health Unit Barcelos/Esposende, Public Health Unit (Government)
• Locations: 1 site (Porto)
• Trial ID: NCT06972160 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention project aims to enhance adherence to colorectal cancer screening among individuals aged 50 to 74 in Barcelos and Esposende. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which will receive two text messages and phone calls from both an administrative assistant and a physician, or a control group that will not receive these interventions. The study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of these communication strategies in increasing screening rates for colon and rectal cancer. The trial is designed to gather data on the impact of proactive outreach on patient participation in screening programs.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 50 to 74 who are registered in the ULS of Barcelos/Esposende and meet specific health criteria.

Not a fit: Patients who have already undergone screening or have certain health conditions that impair their ability to participate will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this project could significantly increase the rates of colorectal cancer screening, leading to earlier detection and improved patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that proactive communication strategies can improve screening adherence, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants must be registered in the ULS of

Barcelos/Esposende and meet the following criteria:

1. Age between 50 and 74 years.
2. No symptoms such as weight loss in the last 6 months or gastrointestinal symptoms.
3. No prior diagnosis of CRC.
4. No diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease).
5. No family history of CRC in first- and second-degree relatives diagnosed before age 60.
6. No prior fecal occult blood test (FOBT) in the 11 months before receiving the collection kit or no prior sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy in the last 24 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Participants who did not receive the screening kit at home.
2. Participants without a phone number.
3. Participants who do not answer the phone or refuse to participate in the study.
4. Participants unable to consent or perform the screening due to physical, mental, or other conditions that seriously impair comprehension.

Where this trial is running

Porto

• Public Health Unit Barcelos/Esposende — Porto, Portugal (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Marina Barroso Pinheiro MD, PhD, PhD

Conditions Colon and Rectal Cancer