Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Colorectal Cancer Screening in the Homeless

United States588 participantsStarted 2026-07

Plain-language summary

This study is designed to assess the effect of implementing a text messaging strategy for colorectal cancer screening among homeless persons aged 45-75 years, who are not up to date on colorectal cancer screening, in shelter clinics in NYC. This mixed-methods study uses a randomized clinical trial design and semi-structured interviews.

Who can participate

Age range

45 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Homeless persons aged 45 - 75 years old, with no up-to-date colorectal cancer screening defined as: 1) no colonoscopy in the past 10 years, or 2) no Flexible sigmoidoscopy, Digital Contrast Barium Enema, or CT colonoscopy in the past 5 years, or 3) no Fecal Immunochemical Test/Fecal Occult Blood in the past 12 months or mt-sDNA/Cologuard Test in the past three years * English or Spanish speaking * currently presenting to the shelter clinics for medical care * connected to multidisciplinary social and health services in NYC shelter clinics Exclusion Criteria: * known active/uncontrolled illness rendering homeless persons to undergo screening, CRC in the past 2 years, colectomy, Inflammatory Bowel Dis., Familial Adenomatous Polyposis or other colorectal diseases in which screening is different from average CRC risk and methods, inability to consent, serious/significant comorbidity where life expectancy is limited or screening is not recommended, which will be verified by their respective provider * inability to read and respond to SMS texts * any condition preventing participants from providing informed consent.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Completion of CRC Screening

Timeframe: 6 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07220018

SponsorGeorge Washington University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2030-06

Contact for this trial

Leah Bauder, MPH

202-994-6803 leahbaud@gwu.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Colorectal Cancer trials