Text Messages for Cancer Survivors

Overseen By Bianca SantaMaria, MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Arizona

Disqualifiers: Psychiatric disorders, Physical disorders, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if daily text messages can help cancer survivors and their caregivers improve eating, exercise, and sleep habits over four weeks. Participants will receive messages tailored to promote better dietary choices, increase physical activity, or enhance sleep hygiene. The approach, called "Eat, Play, Sleep," targets cancer survivors who completed their main treatment at least a month ago and need assistance with diet, exercise, or sleep. Participants must have a mobile phone capable of sending and receiving texts and identify a caregiver to join them in the study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative ways to support long-term health and well-being.

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 text message protocol is safe for cancer survivors?

Research has shown that text message programs for cancer survivors, such as "Eat, Play, Sleep," are safe. In past studies, participants found these messages easy to use and helpful. Most importantly, no safety issues emerged. The messages aim to improve diet, exercise, and sleep habits. These lifestyle changes support cancer survivors without causing harm. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using text messages to support cancer survivors because these messages provide a personalized and convenient way to encourage healthy habits. Unlike traditional in-person consultations, these text messages offer daily reminders and tips to improve dietary quality, increase physical activity, and enhance sleep hygiene right on your phone. This method is unique because it leverages technology to deliver continuous support, making it easier for survivors to integrate healthy changes into their daily lives without the need for frequent clinic visits.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for cancer survivors?

This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of text message programs in promoting healthy behaviors among cancer survivors. Participants in the "Dietary Quality" arm will receive daily text messages to encourage healthier eating habits. Research has shown that such programs can support weight loss and better eating habits, potentially leading to improved survival rates. In the "Physical Activity" arm, participants will receive messages to increase activity levels. Studies have shown these messages are effective and well-liked, making it easier for people to stay active. The "Sleep Hygiene" arm will focus on improving sleep habits through text messages, which studies have found to be both helpful and popular, with no safety issues reported. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Meghan B Skiba, PhD, MS, MPH, RDN

Principal Investigator

University of Arizona

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 who've had solid tumor cancer, finished treatment at least a month ago, and struggle with diet, exercise or sleep. They need a mobile phone and a caregiver to join the study. Those with severe mental or physical conditions that could affect participation are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

I finished my main cancer treatment over a month ago.

I can give consent in English or Spanish.

Survivors must also be able to identify a caregiver to enroll in the study with them

Exclusion Criteria

I do not meet any of the previously mentioned criteria.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive daily text messages promoting dietary quality, physical activity, and sleep hygiene

4 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in health behaviors after the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Eat, Play, Sleep

Trial Overview The 'Eat, Play, Sleep' program sends daily health behavior texts for four weeks to pairs of cancer survivors and their caregivers to improve dietary habits, physical activity levels, and sleep quality.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Sleep Hygiene Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Receive daily text messages for promoting sleep hygiene.

Group II: Physical Activity Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Receive daily text messages for promoting physical activity.

Group III: Dietary Quality Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Receive daily text messages for promoting dietary quality.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Arizona

Lead Sponsor

Trials

545

Recruited

161,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study involving 52 cancer survivors, no significant differences were found in discomfort, interference, or wear-time compliance between a wrist-worn accelerometer (Actiwatch-2) and a thigh-worn accelerometer (activPAL) over a 7-day period.

Qualitative feedback indicated that while participants reported more interferences with the wrist device, they found the thigh device to be more comfortable, suggesting that user preferences may influence adherence to wear-time guidelines.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Evaluation of Participant Perspectives and Wear-Time Compliance for a Wrist-Worn Versus Thigh-Worn Accelerometer in Cancer Survivors. Hidde, MC., Crisafio, ME., Gomes, E., et al.[2023]

Text messaging (SMS) is a promising tool for enhancing cancer care by improving communication, adherence to treatment, and patient engagement, as it is more convenient and personalized than other methods like email.

Despite the potential benefits, there are currently few successful examples of SMS interventions in cancer care, highlighting a gap in implementation that needs to be addressed for better patient outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Text Messaging in Oncology: A Review of the Landscape. Mougalian, SS., Gross, CP., Hall, EK.[2019]

In a pilot study involving 30 cancer patients, the use of a wearable activity tracker combined with personalized text message feedback led to 39% of participants increasing their daily steps by at least 20% over 3 months.

The intervention was well-received, with 72% of participants continuing to use the activity tracker at least 4 days a week after 6 months, suggesting it may effectively promote physical activity among cancer survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Increasing physical activity in Cancer Survivors through a Text-messaging Exercise motivation Program (ICanSTEP). Koontz, BF., Levine, E., McSherry, F., et al.[2022]

The AWAKE program, an 8-week app-based intervention for young adult cancer survivors, showed high retention and satisfaction rates, with participants finding the content relevant and beneficial for discussing their experiences positively.

While the study involved a small sample size (n=38 for AWAKE and n=18 for attention control), there were positive trends in hope and quality of life outcomes, suggesting that hope-based interventions could help young adults reorient their goals after cancer treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Hope-Based Intervention to Address Disrupted Goal Pursuits and Quality of Life Among Young Adult Cancer Survivors. Berg, CJ., Vanderpool, RC., Getachew, B., et al.[2021]

A pilot study involving 19 participants, predominantly Hispanic cancer survivors and their caregivers, found that a two-week text message intervention based on American Cancer Society guidelines was feasible and acceptable, with over 80% recruitment and retention rates.

Participants reported a higher acceptability for physical activity messages (94%) compared to nutrition messages (86%), indicating that text messaging could effectively promote lifestyle changes in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Text Message Intervention to Promote Adherence to Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines in a Predominantly Hispanic Sample of Cancer Survivors and Their Informal Caregivers: Results from a Pilot Intervention Trial. Lopez-Pentecost, M., Perkin, S., Freylersythe, S., et al.[2023]

The study analyzed 1550 SMS messages and 4071 participant replies, finding that supportive and informative messages significantly reduced the likelihood of participants prematurely stopping the program, while notification messages increased the chance of stopping.

Machine learning models effectively categorized message intent and participant replies, showing that informative and instructional messages boosted engagement, while motivational messages did not have a significant impact.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Text Message Analysis Using Machine Learning to Assess Predictors of Engagement With Mobile Health Chronic Disease Prevention Programs: Content Analysis. Klimis, H., Nothman, J., Lu, D., et al.[2022]

The Untire mHealth app significantly improved fatigue severity and quality of life in cancer patients and survivors, with 519 participants in the intervention group showing better outcomes compared to 280 in the control group over 12 weeks.

Participants who used the app more frequently experienced the greatest benefits, indicating that higher engagement with the app correlates with improved management of cancer-related fatigue.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Beating cancer-related fatigue with the Untire mobile app: Results from a waiting-list randomized controlled trial. Spahrkäs, SS., Looijmans, A., Sanderman, R., et al.[2021]

A text messaging system was developed and tested with input from adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors, showing high acceptability and feasibility for improving survivorship care, including reminders for late effect screenings.

Participants found the system useful for connecting with community resources and suggested it could enhance survivorship care visits and foster social networks among AYA survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development of a text messaging system to improve receipt of survivorship care in adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer. Casillas, J., Goyal, A., Bryman, J., et al.[2018]

The CHAT intervention, a 4-week mobile health program for African American breast cancer survivors, demonstrated high participant engagement and acceptability, with 85% of participants reporting positive behavior changes.

Participants in the intervention group significantly reduced their sedentary time by 4.37 hours per day and decreased fast food intake by 1.5 servings, indicating the potential effectiveness of mobile technology in improving health behaviors among this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Pilot and Feasibility Mobile Health Intervention to Support Healthy Behaviors in African American Breast Cancer Survivors. Allicock, M., Kendzor, D., Sedory, A., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06234267

Eat, Play, Sleep: A Text Message Approach to Promoting ... The Eat, Play, Sleep study will test health promotion text messages developed following guidelines for text message program development, aligned with ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-cancer-survivors-1-2024-02294

Text Messages for Cancer Survivors · Info for Participants What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Eat, Play, Sleep for cancer survivors? Research shows that text message interventions can help cancer ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8496009/

Evaluation of the Healthy Living after Cancer text message ... Lifestyle interventions for cancer survivors have been effective for supporting weight loss and achieving improvements in diet and physical ...

4. mhealth.jmir.org mhealth.jmir.org/2025/1/e65505

Efficacy of Mobile App–Based Dietary Interventions Among ... Compliance with dietary guidelines or evidence-based recommendations for better diet quality has been associated with improved survival outcomes ...

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/355129610_Evaluation_of_the_Healthy_Living_after_Cancer_text_message-delivered_extended_contact_intervention_using_the_RE-AIM_framework

(PDF) Evaluation of the Healthy Living after Cancer text ... HLaC was a 6-month, telephone-delivered intervention targeting healthy diet, physical activity and weight loss for adult cancer survivors, offered by Cancer ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8428506/

Supporting breast cancer survivors via text messages This study aims to evaluate the reach, usefulness, acceptability, and factors influencing engagement with a lifestyle-focused text message intervention.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12124549/

Patient engagement strategies in digital health interventions ... Cancer survivors often face challenges related to their mental and physical wellbeing, including higher risks of diseases such as cardiovascular ...

8. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/22/4799

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Text Message Intervention ... This pilot intervention trial evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a two-week ACS guideline-based nutrition and physical activity text message ...