Improving mailed FIT screening in Appalachia
Official title: Strategies for Optimizing a Mailed FIT Program in Appalachia
Run by Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center · NCT07173985 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether changing the FIT kit materials and using phone versus text message navigation can help more average-risk adults in Appalachian counties complete colorectal cancer screening when they're overdue.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years to 74 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 550 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 20, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07173985 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are average-risk adults who live in an Appalachian county, had a medical visit at a participating health system within the past two years, and are currently overdue for colorectal cancer screening.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are already up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening, those at increased/high risk for colorectal cancer, or individuals living outside participating Appalachian counties are unlikely to benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial compares four approaches to a mailed fecal immunochemical test (FIT) program by varying the kit materials (standard vs enhanced) and the navigation delivery mode (telephone vs text message). Eligible, average-risk adults who are overdue for colorectal cancer screening and live in Appalachian counties are randomized to one of the four arms. The primary outcome is completion of the mailed FIT, with the goal of identifying which combination yields the highest screening uptake. The interventions are delivered through participating health systems affiliated with Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the tested strategies could increase colorectal cancer screening rates in Appalachian communities by making mailed FIT programs more effective and easier to use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that mailed FIT programs and patient navigation can improve screening uptake, but direct comparisons of enhanced kit materials and phone versus text navigation specifically in Appalachian populations are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Resident of an Appalachian county * Medical visit at a participating health system in the past two years * Average-risk for colorectal cancer * Not currently within colorectal cancer screening guidelines Exclusion Criteria: \-
Where it's running
-
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Columbus, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paul Reiter, PhD — Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
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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.