Trial results for a smartphone-based intervention aimed at improving Colorectal Cancer screening in African American men were posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2026-01-02, showing that 2 participants in the mHealth intervention group and 2 in the control group received a screening test.
Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant health concern, and timely screening is crucial for early detection and improved outcomes. Despite established screening guidelines, disparities in screening rates persist, particularly among certain demographic groups, including African American men. These disparities can be influenced by various factors, including access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and health beliefs. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions, utilizing smartphones and other digital tools, offer a potential avenue to address these barriers by providing accessible education and reminders, thereby encouraging greater participation in recommended screening procedures.
Trial design
This completed study, identified as Phase NA, enrolled 128 participants with Colorectal Cancer. The trial investigated a smartphone-based program designed to help African American men get screened for colorectal cancer. Participants were randomized to either receive the new smartphone-based program (CRC mHealth Intervention) or to receive text messages (Control Education). The study aimed to determine if men completing the smartphone-based program were more likely to get screened for colorectal cancer than those who did not. No specific primary outcomes were listed in the provided data, but key measurements included screening rates and changes in perceived severity, susceptibility, benefits, and knowledge related to CRC.
Key results
The trial results included several key measurements at Month 6:
- For the outcome titled "Percentage of Participants Who Received a Colorectal Cancer Screening Test": 2 participants in the CRC mHealth Intervention group received a screening test, and 2 participants in the Control Education group received a screening test.
- For "Perceived Severity of Colorectal Cancer at Month 6": The CRC mHealth Intervention group had a mean score of 2.82 (Standard Deviation 0.76 units on a scale), while the Control Education group had a mean score of 2.59 (Standard Deviation 0.61 units on a scale).
- For "Perceived Susceptibility to Colorectal Cancer at Month 6": The CRC mHealth Intervention group had a mean score of 2.82 (Standard Deviation 0.76 units on a scale), while the Control Education group had a mean score of 2.59 (Standard Deviation 0.61 units on a scale).
- For "Perceived Benefits to Colonoscopy at Month 6": The CRC mHealth Intervention group had a mean score of 4.23 (Standard Deviation 0.51 units on a scale), while the Control Education group had a mean score of 4.11 (Standard Deviation 0.54 units on a scale).
- For "Perceived Benefits to Stool Test at Month 6": The CRC mHealth Intervention group had a mean score of 3.91 (Standard Deviation 0.52 units on a scale), while the Control Education group had a mean score of 4.06 (Standard Deviation 0.52 units on a scale).
- For "Colorectal Cancer Knowledge at Month 6": The CRC mHealth Intervention group had a mean score of 13.70 (Standard Deviation 1.49 score on a scale), while the Control Education group had a mean score of 13.17 (Standard Deviation 1.43 score on a scale).
What this means
The posted trial results indicate a limited impact on actual colorectal cancer screening rates, with only 2 participants in each group receiving a screening test out of a total enrollment of 128. While there were slight differences in perceived severity, susceptibility, benefits, and knowledge between the mHealth intervention and control groups, these did not translate into a notable increase in screening uptake within the study period. For patients with colorectal cancer, or those at risk, these findings suggest that this specific smartphone-based intervention, as implemented, may not be sufficient on its own to significantly improve screening behaviors in African American men. Further research may be needed to explore more effective strategies or to understand barriers that were not adequately addressed by this intervention.
Source
The information regarding these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for the study NCT06052202, titled "A Smartphone-Based Intervention to Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening in African American Men", were posted on 2026-01-02 on clinicaltrials.gov.