Improving mailed FIT screening in Appalachia
Strategies for Optimizing a Mailed FIT Program in Appalachia
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years to 74 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT07173985 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Columbus, Ohio
- Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center — Columbus, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paul Reiter, PhD — Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.