Trial results for a study investigating an mHealth application to engage Black men in colorectal cancer screening were posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2025-08-20, indicating that 30 participants were enrolled and 6 reported colorectal screening status.
Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant public health concern, and early detection through screening is crucial for improving outcomes. However, disparities in screening rates persist, particularly among specific populations such as Black men. Understanding the unmet needs, attitudes, barriers, and facilitators to colorectal cancer screening among African American/Black men is vital for developing effective interventions. Community-based approaches, like engaging community leaders such as barbers as "Community Champions," have shown promise in educating and facilitating participation in health screenings, aiming to bridge these gaps and improve health equity.
Trial design
This completed study, identified as Phase NA, enrolled 30 participants with Colorectal Cancer, CRC, and focused on Behavior related to screening. The trial aimed to determine the unmet needs, attitudes, barriers, and facilitators of African American/Black men's use of colorectal cancer screening. It also explored how community leaders, such as barbers, could act as Community Champions to educate and facilitate screening participation. The study investigated the feasibility of a mobile health (mHealth) application as part of this effort.
Key results
The trial results focused on the feasibility of the mobile health (mHealth) application and colorectal screening status among participants in the Tailored Screen to Save (S2S) Content group:
- Regarding Colorectal Screening Status, 6 Participants reported their status.
- For the feasibility of the mHealth application, 30 Participants were enrolled.
- The feasibility of the mHealth application concerning Videos showed engagement from 17 Participants.
- For the feasibility of the mHealth application related to Retention, measures included 28 participants, 10 participants, and 20 participants.
- For the feasibility of the mHealth application concerning Clinic/Screening Request, measures included 7 Participants, 21 Participants, and 2 Participants.
- For the feasibility of the mHealth application related to Sharing Content, 7 Participants engaged in this activity.
What this means
The posted results suggest the feasibility of implementing an mHealth application to engage Black men in colorectal cancer screening. With an enrollment of 30 participants and various measures indicating engagement, such as 17 participants watching videos and 7 participants sharing content, the study provides initial evidence that this approach can reach and engage the target population. While only 6 participants reported colorectal screening status, the overall feasibility data, including different retention metrics (28 participants, 10 participants, 20 participants) and clinic/screening requests (7 participants, 21 participants, 2 participants), indicates potential for future, larger-scale interventions. These findings are important for developing strategies to address disparities in colorectal cancer screening by leveraging technology and community engagement.
Source
The information regarding these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for the study NCT05980182, titled "Engaging Black Men in Colorectal Cancer Screening", were posted on 2025-08-20 on clinicaltrials.gov.