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As low-cost and straightforward an intervention as automated text messaging could make a significant contribution to tackling London's below-average bowel cancer screening rates, according to a study led by the University of Surrey. The project compared two approaches to encourage people who didn't respond to their initial invitation to complete their cancer screening.

Surrey's researchers worked with colleagues from University College London and Queen Mary University of London to test both text message reminders and personalized telephone support with more than 3,000 people across eight London boroughs. Both approaches tripled screening uptake among initial nonresponders compared with no follow-up, with text messages proving cost-effective at £1.82 per additional person screened.

London's bowel cancer screening uptake stands at 63.8%, eight percentage points below the national average. Early detection through screening can significantly improve cancer outcomes, but many people don't complete their test kits after receiving them.

The randomized controlled trial found that simple automated text reminders sent at 19, 21, 23 and 25 weeks increased uptake among initial nonresponders from 2.0% to 6.5%.

If this approach were rolled out across London, the increased uptake would equate to an additional 18,000 people being screened for bowel cancer each year—which would lead to an average of 50 extra bowel cancers being detected at an earlier and therefore usually more treatable stage. 5% overall.

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