Traditional Print Communication Methods, Simple Electronic Communication Methods, or Usual Care in Increasing How Often Older Women Undergo Colorectal Cancer Screening

OBJECTIVES:

- Compare traditional print versus simple electronic communication versus usual care, in
terms of increasing colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates, in average-risk women
attending a routine OB/Gyn visit.

- Explore the moderating role of attentional style and background variables on the impact
of the interventions in these participants.

- Determine the mediating effect of potential cognitive-affective factors related to CRC
screening in these participants.

- Investigate the comparative cost-effectiveness of these interventions to improve CRC
screening adherence.

OUTLINE: This is a randomized study. Participants are randomized to 1 of 3 screening arms.

- Arm I: Participants are contacted by simple electronic communication methods by an
email message linked to a personalized website.

- Arm II: Participants are contacted by traditional print communication methods.

- Arm III: Participants are observed (usual care). Participants in arms I and II are
randomized a second time to receive messages about colorectal cancer screening that are
matched or mismatched to their attentional style.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 5,000 participants will be accrued for this study.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

- At average risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) as defined by the following criteria:

- Asymptomatic without a personal history of colorectal polyps or cancer

- No inflammatory bowel disease

- No family history of familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary nonpolyposis
CRC

- No CRC in more than one first-degree relative

- Nonadherent with standard CRC screening recommendations at the time of index OB/Gyn
appointment

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

- Email accessible at home and/or work

- Able to communicate with ease in English

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

- Not specified