Chatbot for Breast Cancer Screening

(EMPOWER Trial)

Overseen By Anthony Ariotti

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Utah

Disqualifiers: Breast cancer treatment, Men, Cognitive limitations, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

2700 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a digital tool called a chatbot to determine if it can effectively provide information about mammograms, which are breast cancer screening tests. Participants will receive either the usual information or additional assistance from the chatbot on their phone, computer, or tablet. The trial aims to discover if the chatbot helps people better understand their mammogram results and follow screening recommendations. It seeks women who have recently had a mammogram at the University of Utah and speak English or Spanish. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance communication of mammogram information.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this chatbot is safe for providing educational information about mammography?

Research shows that AI chatbots used in breast cancer screening are generally safe. Studies have found that these chatbots can enhance patients' understanding and attitudes without causing harm. No reports of negative effects have emerged from their use. In fact, these digital tools have successfully provided educational information, helping people better understand their health. This trial is in the "Not Applicable" phase, focusing on the chatbot's practicality and effectiveness rather than testing a new drug or treatment. This indicates no known safety concerns with using the chatbot in this study. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Chatbot for breast cancer screening because it offers a new way to enhance patient engagement and education. Unlike traditional methods, which often rely on in-person consultations and printed materials, the Chatbot provides real-time, accessible support through digital communication. This innovative approach could improve adherence to screening schedules and empower patients with timely information, potentially leading to earlier detection and better outcomes.

What evidence suggests that this chatbot is effective for breast cancer screening?

Studies have shown that AI chatbots can effectively increase knowledge and improve attitudes toward breast cancer care. In one study, people who used a chatbot felt they understood their condition better and felt more empowered. Another study found that chatbots educated patients about breast cancer, leading to more positive views on treatment. While researchers continue to study the direct impact on cancer detection rates, early results suggest these tools can be valuable for educating and supporting patients. In this trial, participants will receive either usual care or usual care with the addition of a chatbot to assess its effectiveness in enhancing patient education and support. Overall, AI chatbots show promise in helping patients become more informed about breast cancer. ^{1 3 5 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults 18 years or older who speak English or Spanish and have visited a mammography program for routine screening. Participants will be those who recently had a mammogram at the University of Utah.

Inclusion Criteria

I regularly go for mammogram screenings.

I am 18 years old or older.

I speak English or Spanish.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Enrollment and Baseline Survey

Participants complete baseline surveys at the time of enrollment, including demographics and preferred contact method

1 week

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Intervention

Participants are randomized to either usual care or usual care with chatbot, and receive educational information about mammography

24 months

Follow-up

Participants complete follow-up questionnaires to assess screening adherence and receipt of follow-up testing

24 months

Contact via preferred method (text or email), with phone follow-up if necessary

Focus Group Discussions

Participants are invited to focus group discussions based on mammogram results and adherence to screening recommendations

Varies

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Chatbot

Trial Overview The study tests a digital chatbot designed to educate about mammography, comparing usual care alone versus usual care with chatbot assistance. Women are grouped by their BI-RADS category after mammograms and randomly assigned to one of the two approaches.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Chatbot Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Chatbot: This will include participants randomized to usual care with the Chatbot.

Group II: Usual Care Active Control 1 Intervention

Usual Care: This will include participants randomized to usual care.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Utah

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,169

Recruited

1,623,000+

American Cancer Society, Inc.

Collaborator

Trials

237

Recruited

110,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12309207/

Empowering breast cancer clients through AI chatbots This randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated the impact of an AI chatbot intervention on knowledge, empowerment, and attitudes toward AI ...

2. oncologynurseadvisor.com oncologynurseadvisor.com/news/breast-cancer-ai-chatbots-enhance-knowledge-attitudes-treatment/

AI Chatbot Enhances Knowledge and Attitudes of Breast ... Comparison of pre- and postintervention measures demonstrated that AI chatbots can effectively improve education and attitudes of patients ...

3. statnews.com statnews.com/2025/09/24/breast-cancer-artificial-intelligence-mammogram-pcori-ucla/

AI breast cancer screening study tests value of tech to patients Prospective trials conducted in Europe have suggested that AI tools can increase cancer detection rates. But those results can't be easily ...

4. cancer.jmir.org cancer.jmir.org/2025/1/e68426

Evaluating a Chatbot as a Companion for Patients With Breast ... Objective: This study aims to evaluate the potential of an artificial intelligence–driven chatbot, specifically leveraging ChatGPT (GPT-4; ...

5. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06943911

NCT06943911 | Reflects the Intervention (AI Chatbot) This outcome measures the change in breast cancer knowledge from baseline to post-intervention for participants who used the AI chatbot compared to the control ...

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0738399125000448

Are AI chatbots concordant with evidence-based cancer ... ChatGPT provided information mostly concordant with USPSTF breast and prostate cancer screening recommendations, however, important gaps exist.

7. breastcancer.org breastcancer.org/screening-testing/artificial-intelligence

Using AI (Artificial Intelligence) to Detect Breast Cancer Powerful AI technology has successfully identified breast cancer that doctors missed and tissue features that may predict future cancers.