Promoting lifestyle behaviors at colorectal cancer screening via SMS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Development and Evaluation of a Text Messaging Programme Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours at the Time of Colorectal Cancer Screening to Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk
IRAS ID
312129
Contact name
Juliet Usher Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Colorectal cancer, or bowel cancer, is the 4th most common cancer in the UK. Lifestyle-related behaviors account for 40% of the risk of developing colorectal cancer. The goal of this study is to build and test a text messaging program that would deliver information about lifestyle behaviour during colorectal cancer screening. For this study, we will work with UK adults who are eligible for the English colorectal cancer screening programme.
We will first hold interviews to assess views about receiving text messages about lifestyle behaviours during colorectal cancer screening. The lifestyle behaviours of interest are diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. This data will inform guiding principles and design of the text messaging program.
Next, we will work with NHS doctors, behavioral scientists, and other experts to collect feedback on the theory behind the text messaging program. This will guide the development of text messages and the technology that will send the text messages to users. We will then test our text messaging program through focus groups and questionnaires. If these messages are found to be helpful and relevant, further studies will be done to further evaluate this text messaging program.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NE/0220
Date of REC Opinion
10 May 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion