The Effect of Text Messages and Education on Cancer Screening on Women aged 30-65

Abstract

Objective: 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 140 women aged 30-65 between November 2023 and April 2024 in Kırklareali, Türkiye. Participants were divided into the reminder text message group (n=46), the training group (n=48), and the control group (n= 46). 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: In the post-test, the Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening score was statistically significantly higher in both the reminder text message group and the training group compared to the pre-test (p.05). Participation in cancer screening behaviors increased significantly in both the reminder text message and training groups (p.05). Conclusions: The results showed that both reminder text messages and training interventions effectively improved attitudes and significantly increased participation in cancer screening behaviors.