mHealth for Colorectal Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests the effectiveness of text messages in encouraging homeless individuals to undergo colorectal cancer screening. The goal is to determine if educational and reminder texts can increase screening rates among those who haven't been checked recently. Participants will receive messages about cancer screenings, lifestyle tips, and appointment reminders. Ideal participants are homeless individuals aged 45-75 who haven't had recent colorectal cancer screenings and currently receive medical care at NYC shelter clinics. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative strategies that could improve health outcomes for underserved communities.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.
What prior data suggests that this text messaging strategy is safe for colorectal cancer screening among homeless persons?
Studies have shown that using text messages to encourage colorectal cancer screening is generally safe. Text messages offer a simple and effective communication method. No reports of physical side effects exist, as this approach involves sending educational and reminder messages to promote cancer screening. This method aims to raise awareness and improve health habits without causing harm. Additionally, mobile health tools like this are common in other health areas and considered safe for participants.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using mHealth for colorectal cancer screening in homeless populations because it offers a novel approach to educating and engaging a traditionally hard-to-reach group. Unlike standard options like colonoscopies and stool tests, which require physical access to healthcare facilities, mHealth leverages mobile technology to deliver personalized educational messages and reminders directly to individuals' phones. This method aims to overcome barriers such as lack of awareness and logistical challenges by providing tailored content that motivates lifestyle changes and encourages timely screenings. By focusing on accessibility and personalization, mHealth has the potential to significantly improve colorectal cancer screening rates in underserved communities.
What evidence suggests that this mHealth strategy is effective for colorectal cancer screening?
Research has shown that sending text messages can encourage homeless individuals to get screened for colorectal cancer. People experiencing homelessness often have more advanced cancer at diagnosis due to less frequent screenings. In this trial, one group will receive colorectal cancer-specific educational messages via mHealth, including text message reminders and educational content to help overcome obstacles and motivate participation in cancer screenings. Another group will receive general health education messages unrelated to colorectal cancer screening. In one study, 61% of colonoscopies for homeless individuals showed normal results, indicating that early screening can be beneficial. This mobile health approach aims to make screenings more accessible and catch cancer earlier, potentially leading to better health outcomes.12567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Ramin Asgary, MD, MPH
Principal Investigator
George Washington University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for homeless individuals aged 45-75 in NYC who haven't been screened for colorectal cancer as recommended. They must be getting care at shelter clinics, connected to local services, and able to read/respond to texts in English or Spanish. Those with certain conditions like recent CRC, colectomy, or limited life expectancy are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 6 months of SMS text-based patient navigation for CRC screening or general health education
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for completion of CRC screening and receive post-screen counselling
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- mHealth for Colorectal cancer screening in Homeless Persons
Trial Overview
The study tests a text messaging strategy to increase colorectal cancer screening among the homeless. Participants will be randomly chosen to receive messages and their effectiveness will be evaluated through interviews and screening rates.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
6 months of mHealth, including basic healthcare and general health promotion via SMS texts that do not overlap with CRC screening content.
6 months of mHealth Colorectal cancer educational messages. The content will address elements such as activating and educating patients, exploring and removing challenges, accommodating personal goals, and engaging and targeting subgroups. Texts will be delivered to encourage cancer screenings and lifestyle changes, and participants will receive appointment reminders before each appointment with a follow-up text and robocall if the appointment is missed.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
George Washington University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
Collaborator
Citations
Colorectal Cancer Screening in the Homeless
This study is designed to assess the effect of implementing a text messaging strategy for colorectal cancer screening among homeless persons ...
Colorectal Cancer Screening Among the Homeless ...
Outcomes of 123 colonoscopies were 75 (61%) normal, 18 (14.6%) abnormal, 3 (2.4%) poor preparation, and 27 (22%) unknown. Twenty patients (4.5%) had a previous ...
Cancer Screening, Treatment, and Outcomes in Persons ...
The limited data available suggest that persons experiencing homelessness are more likely to present with advanced stages of cancer at the time of diagnosis.
Cancer screening in the homeless population
This Review explores cancer-related health disparities between homeless people and the general population by providing a review of data and definitions ...
A colorectal cancer screening initiative to assist the ...
In the colonoscopy database, 173 homeless patients had positive FITs, but only 43 got their colonoscopy (25%). Reasons for not getting the colonoscopy were poor ...
Knowledge and barriers to colorectal cancer screenings in ...
This study examined the frequency of CRC screening, existing understanding and knowledge of CRC screening and its relationship with CRC screening, as well as ...
Cancer risk factors and access to cancer prevention ...
We mapped the evidence on cancer risk factors as well as barriers and facilitators to cancer prevention services among people experiencing homelessness.
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