Cancer Prevention & Control, Client-Oriented Screening Interventions: Client Reminders

(2008 Archived Review)

Task Force Finding*

Client reminders or recalls (client reminders) are printed (letter or postcard) or telephone messages advising people that they are due (reminder) or late (recall) for screening. Client reminders may be enhanced by one or more of the following: a follow-up printed or telephone reminder; additional text or discussion with information about indications for, benefits of, and ways to overcome barriers to screening; or assistance in scheduling appointments. Tailored reminders (printed or verbal) address the individual’s risk profile or other relevant characteristics, such as what keeps a specific client from seeking screening and what would encourage the client to be screened.

The Task Force recommends the use of client reminders to increase screening for breast and cervical cancer (by mammography and Pap test, respectively), on the basis of strong evidence of effectiveness. The Task Force recommends the use of client reminders to increase screening for colorectal cancer by fecal occult blood test (FOBT) on the basis of sufficient evidence of effectiveness. Evidence is insufficient, however, to determine whether client reminders are effective in increasing colorectal cancer screening by flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or double contrast barium enema since no studies evaluating these screening procedures were identified.

*From the following publication:

Task Force on Community Preventive Services. Recommendations for client- and provider-directed interventions to increase breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening. [PDF -74KB] Am J Prev Med 2008;35(1S):S21–5.