Text messages to boost colorectal cancer screening for people who are homeless
Official title: mHealth Navigation Using SMS Texting to Improve CRC Screening Among Homeless Persons
Run by George Washington University · NCT07220018 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a 6-month SMS-based navigation program can help homeless adults aged 45–75 in NYC shelters complete colorectal cancer screening when they are not up to date.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 588 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | George Washington University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Washington D.C., District of Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 14, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 2, 2030 |
| Study ends | September 19, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | October 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07220018 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are English- or Spanish-speaking homeless adults aged 45–75 who are not up to date with colorectal cancer screening and are receiving care at NYC shelter clinics.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals not reachable by SMS, those who cannot consent, or with medical conditions that preclude screening may derive no direct benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This mixed-methods study uses a randomized design to compare a 6-month SMS-based patient navigation intervention against an attention control to improve colorectal cancer screening rates among homeless adults in shelter clinics. The intervention provides tailored text messages to explain risks, give screening options, offer test instructions and support, help overcome barriers, arrange appointments, and share results. Participants are adults 45–75 who are not up to date with screening, recruited from shelter clinics in New York City. The study will also collect qualitative data through semi-structured interviews to understand barriers and facilitators to screening and navigation effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could increase colorectal cancer screening rates among homeless adults, potentially leading to earlier detection and better outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous mobile health and patient navigation efforts have shown promise in improving cancer screening in underserved populations, though evidence in homeless groups is limited and this trial tests a focused SMS approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Homeless persons aged 45 - 75 years old, with no up-to-date colorectal cancer screening defined as: 1) no colonoscopy in the past 10 years, or 2) no Flexible sigmoidoscopy, Digital Contrast Barium Enema, or CT colonoscopy in the past 5 years, or 3) no Fecal Immunochemical Test/Fecal Occult Blood in the past 12 months or mt-sDNA/Cologuard Test in the past three years * English or Spanish speaking * currently presenting to the shelter clinics for medical care * connected to multidisciplinary social and health services in NYC shelter clinics Exclusion Criteria: * known active/uncontrolled illness rendering homeless persons to undergo screening, CRC in the past 2 years, colectomy, Inflammatory Bowel Dis., Familial Adenomatous Polyposis or other colorectal diseases in which screening is different from average CRC risk and methods, inability to consent, serious/significant comorbidity where life expectancy is limited or screening is not recommended, which will be verified by their respective provider * inability to read and respond to SMS texts * any condition preventing participants from providing informed consent.
Where it's running
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George Washington University
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ramin Asgary, MD, MPH — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Leah Bauder, MPH
- Email: leahbaud@gwu.edu
- Phone: 202-994-6803
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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.