The Effect of Text messages and Education on Cancer Screening in Women Aged 30-65

Abstract Background Despite it is known that cancer screenings reduce cancer-related deaths, screening rates are still inadequate. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of text messaging and training on cancer screening in women aged 30-65. Methods This non-randomized controlled trial was conducted with 120 women aged 30-65 between November 2023 and April 2024 in Tekirdağ, Türkiye. Participants were divided into the text message group (TMG) (n = 60), the training group (TG) (n = 60), and the control group (CG) (n = 60). In the text message group, every participant received text messages about cancer and importance of screening procedures, one a day for ten days. The training group was educated for a session that lasted 45 min. Data was collected both before and 3 months after the intervention, using a questionnaire that included two parts (sociodemographic characteristics and stages of change for cancer screening practices). Data was analyzed using the Marginal Homogeneity test. Results The rates of those who had a pap smear test, breast self-examination (BSE), mammography, and stool occult blood screening were found to be significantly higher in both the text message group and the training group in the post-test than the pre-test. (p<.001). In the text message group, there was an increased rate of 43.4% for pap smear test, 25% for BSE, 17.3% for mammography, and 10% for stool occult blood screening. In the training group, there was an increased rate of 31,7 % for pap smear test, 26,7% for BSE, 13,3% for mammography, and 23,4 % for stool occult blood screening. There was no change in the control group. Conclusions The results showed that both text messages and training about cancer screening are effective in increasing the rate of cervix, breast, and colorectal cancer screening. Key messages • Text messaging about cancer screening is as effective as training in increasing the rate of cervix, breast, and colorectal cancer screening. • Text messaging interventions may be an effective and practical way to increase cancer screening rates in populations most affected by health disparities.