A randomized trial of generic versus tailored interventions to increase colorectal cancer screening among intermediate risk siblings.
BACKGROUND
Individuals with a sibling who has had colorectal cancer diagnosed before age 61 are at increased risk for colorectal cancer and may derive particular benefit from screening. Tailored interventions may increase participation in appropriate colorectal cancer screening.


OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the efficacy of two tailored interventions and a generic print intervention.


METHODS
Participant siblings (N = 412) who were not up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening were randomly assigned to receive either a generic print pamphlet, a tailored print pamphlet, or a tailored print pamphlet and tailored counseling call. Colorectal cancer screening 6 months after the baseline interview was the outcome measure.


RESULTS
Results indicated that colorectal cancer screening adherence increased among intermediate risk siblings enrolled in all three intervention groups. Participants in both tailored intervention groups reported having colorectal cancer screening at significantly higher rates than participants in the generic print group. The increase in colorectal cancer screening in the tailored print and counseling call group was not significantly higher than that achieved by the tailored print alone. Decisional balance partially mediated treatment effects. Tailored behavioral interventions are effective methods for increasing screening adherence but telephone counseling did not add significantly to treatment effects.
Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Sharon.Manne@fccc.edu
Sharon L
SL
Manne
Elliot J
EJ
Coups
Arnold
A
Markowitz
Neal J
NJ
Meropol
Daniel
D
Haller
Paul B
PB
Jacobsen
Lina
L
Jandorf
Susan K
SK
Peterson
Samuel
S
Lesko
Steven
S
Pilipshen
Gary
G
Winkel
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D010375:Pedigree; D035781:Siblings / Q000523:psychology*