Clinical Research Directory

Trial to Evaluate the Impact of Various Pragmatic Interventions to Increase Mammography Uptake Among Defaulted Repeat Screeners in Singapore

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Singapore, accounting for nearly 30% of all female cancers. While regular biennial mammography can reduce mortality, screening rates in Singapore remain low at 34.7%; well below the 70% threshold required for population-level impact. Despite a national screening program in place since 2002, uptake continues to be hindered by psychological, cultural, and logistical barriers. Although various studies have explored different behavioural interventions to boost mammogram uptake; ranging from reminders (traditional mailers, phone calls, text messages) and education to financial incentives, their effectiveness varies by population and context. Furthermore, few large-scale, prospective studies have been conducted locally. Prior research in Singapore is either outdated or limited in scope, and there is a particular lack of rigorous trials evaluating behavioral interventions tailored to women who have defaulted on screening, who faces distinct psychological and behavioral barriers; ranging from low perceived risk and fear, to false reassurance from prior normal results or lack of reminders, or had bad experience (procedural pain or prior false positive results) during last mammogram. Engaging these women is critical, yet challenging, and failure to do so undermines efforts to achieve broad population coverage. The REMIND Study addresses this critical gap by evaluating five pragmatic and scalable outreach strategies to increase mammogram uptake among women who had their last screening more than 2 years ago and are currently overdue. Through a large, randomized controlled trial, the study will generate much-needed local evidence on what works to reengage these women. Findings will directly inform national screening policies and the design of future outreach efforts tailored to Singapore's diverse population.