Effect of Personalized Risk Messages on Uptake of Colorectal Cancer Screening : A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Preventive Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates can be improved by providing personalized risk information to patients and healthcare providers.
• Understanding the impact of personalized risk communication on screening behaviors is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if personalized risk information for advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN) influences screening uptake among average-risk patients.
• To identify factors that may moderate the effect of personalized risk information on screening behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial with a 2x2 factorial design was conducted in primary care settings.
• Participants (patients and providers) were assigned to receive decision aids or notifications with or without personalized ACN risk information.
• Screening test completion within six months was the primary outcome, analyzed using logistic regression.

Main Results:

• No significant overall difference in CRC screening uptake was observed between personalized and generic risk information for either patient decision aids or provider notifications.
• Personalized risk information significantly increased stool testing rates in one specific health system under certain conditions.
• Health system acted as a moderator for the effectiveness of stool testing interventions.

Conclusions:

• While personalized ACN risk communication did not broadly enhance CRC screening, it showed a positive effect on stool testing uptake in a specific healthcare context.
• Further research may be needed to identify patient subgroups or settings where personalized risk information is most effective for improving CRC screening.