Author summary Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, yet many people do not complete routine screening. We conducted this review to better understand how digital tools—like mobile apps, patient portals, automated messages, and telehealth—can help increase CRC screening, especially in populations that are often underserved or harder to reach. We reviewed 51 clinical studies conducted in various settings, including urban and rural clinics, and examined how technology was used to support patient education, reminders, and access to care. Our findings show that digital tools can significantly improve screening rates, especially when paired with personal support such as patient navigators or telephone follow-ups. However, we also found major gaps in research. For example, few studies focused on younger adults who are increasingly at risk for early-onset CRC, or on how long the benefits of digital interventions last. Many studies also lacked information about how well people understood or engaged with digital tools. We hope our review helps researchers and healthcare providers design better, more inclusive digital health programs to reduce disparities and improve CRC screening outcomes across different communities.
Introduction
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy globally and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, particularly in high-income countries [1]. The burden of CRC has been rising steadily in several parts of the w… [36199 chars]
Source: PLOS (Public Library of Science) | Published: 2025-09-25T00:00:00Z
Credit: PLOS (Public Library of Science)
