Randomized trial of effect of reminder phone calls in language of origin on colorectal cancer screening participation among immigrants in Norway

A randomized controlled trial in Norway evaluated the effect of reminder phone calls in language of origin on colorectal cancer screening participation among immigrants. The trial included 416 immigrants born in Pakistan or Somalia (age 55-56) who did not return a FIT within six weeks after the KIT was mailed. Individuals were randomized (1:1) to receive a reminder letter in Norwegian plus a phone call in their language of origin (intervention group; n=217) or the reminder letter only (control group; n=199). The primary outcome was participation in ColorectalScreen Norway, defined as return of the kit within 12 weeks after sending the reminder letter. Overall participation was 24% in the intervention group and 11% in the control group (risk ratio 2.21; 95% CI 1.40-3.49), with doubling of participation observed both in males and females. The authors conclude that reminder phone calls in language of origin improved screening participation among immigrants from Pakistan and Somalia in Norway.