Chatbot boosts cancer screening uptake in hong kong trial
NCT ID NCT06192862
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a theory-based chatbot could increase colorectal cancer screening rates. 500 adults aged 50-75 in Hong Kong were randomly assigned to receive either standard text reminders or a chatbot that provided personalized risk information and screening guidance. The main goal was to see if more people completed a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) within 3 months.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- chatbot-based health education and reminders
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this approach could increase colorectal cancer screening rates in at-risk populations, potentially catching more cancers early.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed trial, but the intervention is behavioral and may not work in other settings or cultures. The chatbot requires smartphone access, which may limit reach.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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500 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jul 2024
- Finished
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Nov 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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50 to 75 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 50-75 years old * asymptomatic and eligible to enroll in a government-subsidized colorectal cancer screening program * subjects themselves or their family members living in the same household with access to WhatsApp Messenger * able to read Chinese * willingness to be followed up by telephone Exclusion Criteria: * subject without access to WhatsApp Messenger * unable to provide informed consent
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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
Locations
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Centre of Digestive Health, Prince of Wales Hospital
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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