Enhancing Colorectal Cancer Screening Participation via Text Message Interventions

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most frequently diagnosed cancer globally and is a significant contributor to cancer-related deaths. Early detection through regular screening is crucial, as it greatly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. However, screening participation for CRC remains insufficient, especially among minority groups. Text message interventions have been proposed as a cost-efficient and scalable solution to increase screening adherence.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of text messaging interventions in enhancing CRC screening participation.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across four major databases Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane up to August 2024. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, mixed-methods studies, and qualitative research that evaluated the impact of text message reminders on CRC screening rates. Data were extracted on study characteristics, intervention specifics, and screening outcomes. Meta-analyses were carried out to calculate pooled effect sizes of text message interventions compared to usual care.

Results: Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria, consisting of 12 RCTs, two observational studies, two mixed-methods studies, and two qualitative studies. The meta-analysis indicated that text message interventions significantly improved CRC screening uptake compared to usual care (pooled relative risk: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.12–1.36, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analyses validated the robustness of these results across different study designs and populations. Text message interventions were especially effective in low-income and underserved groups, where traditional outreach methods tend to be less successful. Furthermore, cost analysis from the reviewed studies highlighted that text messaging is a highly cost-effective method for promoting CRC screening.

Conclusion: Text message interventions offer a scalable and effective approach to increasing participation in CRC screening programs. Their affordability, wide reach, and simplicity make them an ideal tool for public health systems, particularly those operating in resource-constrained settings. Despite these encouraging results, further research is needed to refine the content, timing, and cultural relevance of messages to ensure maximum impact across diverse populations. Incorporating text messaging into broader public health strategies could be crucial in alleviating the global burden of colorectal cancer.