Text message reminders improve how women manage breast cancer screening

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

Researchers in the United Kingdom conducted a trial in which a text-message reminder program was used for women to undergo breast cancer screening.

They found that women who received a reminder were 20% more likely to attend their appointment. The biggest impact was seen in women in deprived areas; these women were 28% more likely to attend their first screening. 

In addition, women were almost three times more likely to cancel their appointment in advance after receiving a text message.

The researchers conclude that a simple, inexpensive text-message reminder could increase the number of women who attend breast cancer screening.

It also increases the number who cancel in advance, thereby saving valuable NHS resources.