A doctor offering a telephone for cancer screening reminders.

Are You Putting off Your Annual Check-up? How a Simple Reminder Can Save Your Life

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 5 min read.

"Discover how interactive reminders, especially personalized phone calls, dramatically improve adherence to crucial cancer screenings and why this matters for your long-term health."

Regular screenings are a cornerstone of maintaining good health, allowing for early detection and treatment of various conditions, including cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant health concern, and annual screenings using the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) are recommended to catch it early. But let's face it, life gets busy, and it's easy to postpone or forget these crucial appointments. The problem? Delayed or missed screenings can have serious consequences, potentially leading to late-stage diagnoses and reduced treatment options.

So, what can be done to ensure we stay on track with our health commitments? Researchers have been exploring different strategies to improve adherence to cancer screening programs. One promising approach involves the use of reminders, particularly those delivered through telecommunications. While the idea of a reminder might seem simple, the effectiveness of different methods—like phone calls versus text messages—can vary.

This article dives into a fascinating study that investigated the impact of different reminder strategies on adherence to annual FIT screenings for colorectal cancer. We'll explore which methods proved most effective, why they worked, and what this means for you. The goal is to equip you with the knowledge to prioritize your health and make informed decisions about staying on track with essential screenings.

The Power of a Personal Touch: How Phone Reminders Make a Difference

A doctor offering a telephone for cancer screening reminders.

The study, conducted as a randomized controlled trial, focused on comparing the effectiveness of interactive telephone reminders, SMS reminders, and usual care (no additional reminders) in getting people to complete their annual FIT screenings. Participants, all aged 40-70 with a previous negative FIT result, were divided into three groups:

Interactive Telephone Reminder Group: Received a phone call from a healthcare professional.
SMS Reminder Group: Received a text message reminder.
Control Group: Received no additional reminders beyond the initial notification of their need for a repeat test.

The results were compelling. The interactive telephone reminders proved significantly more effective than both SMS reminders and usual care in ensuring participants completed their FIT screenings.

Higher Collection Rates: 95.1% in the telephone group compared to 90.4% in the SMS group and 86.5% in the control group.

Improved Specimen Return: 94.1% in the telephone group versus 90.0% in the SMS group and 86.0% in the control group.

Increased Likelihood: Individuals in the telephone group were three times more likely to collect FIT tubes and return completed specimens compared to the control group.

Why were telephone reminders so effective? The researchers believe the personal interaction made a significant difference. Unlike impersonal text messages, phone calls allowed participants to ask questions, address concerns, and receive encouragement from a real person. This human touch fostered a sense of accountability and motivation, leading to higher adherence rates.

Take Charge of Your Health: Simple Steps for Staying on Track

The findings of this study underscore the importance of proactive reminder systems in healthcare. While not everyone may have access to personalized phone calls, the key takeaway is to find a reminder strategy that works for you. Whether it's setting calendar alerts, enlisting a friend for accountability, or utilizing reminder apps, the goal is to make health screenings a priority.

Here are a few practical tips to help you stay on track with your health screenings:

<ul> <li>Talk to Your Doctor: Discuss the screening tests you need and when you need them.</li> <li>Set Reminders: Use your phone, calendar, or a dedicated app to schedule reminders for upcoming appointments.</li> <li>Enlist Support: Ask a friend or family member to remind you or even accompany you to appointments.</li> <li>Make it a Routine: Integrate health screenings into your annual routine, just like you would with other important tasks.</li> </ul> By taking proactive steps and utilizing effective reminder strategies, you can prioritize your health and ensure you stay on track with essential cancer screenings. A simple reminder could make all the difference in detecting potential problems early and improving your long-term well-being.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3399/bjgp18x698369, Alternate LINK

Title: Effectiveness Of Reminder Strategies On Cancer Screening Adherence: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Subject: Family Practice

Journal: British Journal of General Practice

Publisher: Royal College of General Practitioners

Authors: Martin Cs Wong, Jessica Yl Ching, Junjie Huang, John Ct Wong, Thomas Yt Lam, Victor Cw Chan, Simpson Kc Ng, Zero Hui, Arthur Kc Luk, Justin Cy Wu, Francis Kl Chan

Published: 2018-08-13

Everything You Need To Know

Why were personalized phone calls more effective at getting people to complete their screenings?

The study highlighted the effectiveness of personalized phone calls as reminders for annual cancer screenings, specifically the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for colorectal cancer (CRC). These interactive telephone reminders were significantly more effective than SMS reminders and the absence of reminders (usual care). This is because phone calls facilitate direct interaction, allowing individuals to ask questions and receive encouragement, fostering accountability, and boosting adherence to screenings.

What is the significance of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and why is it important?

The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a screening method recommended for annual colorectal cancer (CRC) detection. Regular FIT screenings are essential as they allow for early detection and treatment of CRC. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and a better health outcome. The implications of skipping or delaying these screenings are that they can lead to late-stage diagnoses, when treatment options are often more limited and less effective.

What were the different reminder strategies used in the study, and what were their outcomes?

The study compared three different reminder strategies: interactive telephone reminders, SMS reminders, and usual care (no additional reminders) for the FIT screening. The interactive telephone reminder group received a phone call from a healthcare professional. The SMS reminder group received a text message, while the control group received no additional reminders. The interactive telephone reminders group had the highest completion rates, with 95.1% of participants completing their FIT screenings, compared to 90.4% in the SMS group and 86.5% in the control group.

Why did the study find that interactive telephone reminders were so effective?

The personalized phone calls were more effective because they allowed for direct interaction and addressed individual concerns. This human touch provided a sense of accountability and motivation that text messages, which are impersonal, could not. The study found that those receiving phone calls were three times more likely to complete the FIT screening and return the specimens, highlighting the importance of this personal connection for encouraging adherence to health recommendations.

What can I do if I don't have access to personalized phone calls for reminders?

Even if personalized phone calls are not available, there are steps you can take. The key is to adopt a reminder system that works for you. This might involve setting up calendar alerts, asking a friend or family member to help with accountability, or utilizing reminder apps. The goal is to make annual health screenings, such as the FIT for colorectal cancer, a priority in your overall health plan, as early detection can dramatically improve outcomes.