Primary care based text-reminders in colorectal cancer screening

Background and study aims
Colorectal cancer (CRC, also known as bowel cancer) is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in England. Screening the at risk population for CRC by way of biennial faecal occult blood testing (FOBt) reduces CRC deaths by detecting CRC early, at a time when it is easier to treat. In England, the National Health Service (NHS) runs an organised population-based CRC screening programme (Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, BCSP), which offers biennial screening via guaiac-based faecal occult blood testing (gFOBt) to any men and women aged 60-74. With 54% overall uptake, CRC screening has the lowest uptake rate amongst all of the organised National Cancer Screening Programmes (Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening) in England. As such, there is an important need for interventions to promote uptake of FOBt in the capital to reduce inequalities in uptake. Increasing evidence demonstrates that General Practitioner (GP) endorsement promotes CRC screening uptake and there is a growing interest in the use text-message reminders to increase participation in cancer screening. The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a primary care based text-message reminder to promote CRC screening uptake in London.
Who can participate?
Adults aged between 60 to 75 who are eligible for bowel cancer screening.
What does the study involve?
Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. Participants are sent an invitation letter with screening information booklet by their local Hub. They then receive the gFOBt kit and instructions 8-10 days letter. They are asked to collect samples of three separate bowel motions and send the completed kit back to the hub. A letter is sent after four weeks of non-response. Those allocated to the first group receive a text message reminder to send their kit back. Those in the second group receive the standard screening materials. Uptake in both groups will be measured at 18 weeks and compared for statistically significant differences.