Phone calls to fight cancer: new program gets rural residents moving

NCT ID NCT03903874

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a 12-month telephone-based counseling program, supported by community health workers, to help people in rural Alabama become more physically active. The goal was to increase moderate-to-vigorous activity as a way to prevent cancer. 245 participants who were not very active were randomly assigned to the program or a waitlist. The researchers measured changes in activity levels at 6, 12, and 18 months.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

telephone-based physical activity counseling with community health worker support

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer a low-cost way to increase physical activity and lower cancer risk in underserved rural communities.

What could go wrong

This is a completed trial testing a behavioral intervention, not a drug. Results may not apply outside this specific rural population, and long-term adherence to increased activity is uncertain.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

Motor Activity

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Alabama At Birmingham

    Birmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States