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Optimized Text Messaging Campaigns to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening within Community Health Centers in Patients with Fecal Immunochemical Test Orders

Trial Status: active

This clinical trial studies whether optimized text messaging campaigns work to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening within community health centers (CHCs) in patients with fecal immunochemical test (FIT) orders. CRC is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and disparities by race/ethnicity and income are well-documented. CHCs, which provide care for millions of people who face significant barriers to cancer prevention care, have CRC screening rates far below national averages. The low screening rate is partly due to staffing shortages and the volume of screenings needed. Text message reminders are a low cost, flexible way to deliver reminders, especially when used in systems that can automatically send reminders. The text message campaigns used in this study automatically send CRC screening reminders to patients with FIT orders according to regularly set schedules through systems already used within CRCs. The content of the messages have also been developed and enhanced (optimized) to increase patient engagement. Optimized text messaging campaigns may be an effective way to increase CRC screening within CHCs in patients with FIT orders.