Can text messages help cancer survivors stop drinking?
NCT ID NCT05570851
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tested whether tailored text messages could help head and neck cancer survivors stop drinking alcohol, which is a major risk factor for cancer recurrence. 126 survivors from a hospital and a VA medical center were randomly assigned to receive either the text message program or standard advice. The study measured how many people quit drinking after 3 and 6 months, and whether the approach was acceptable and feasible for a larger trial.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
tailored text messages promoting alcohol cessation
What this could lead to
If it works, this could provide a simple, scalable way to help head and neck cancer survivors quit alcohol and lower their risk of cancer recurrence.
What could go wrong
This is a small pilot study (126 people) testing feasibility, not effectiveness. Results may not apply to all survivors, and self-reported drinking may be inaccurate.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research
Manhasset, New York, 11030, United States