Supporting breast cancer survivors via text messages: reach, acceptability, and utility of EMPOWER-SMS

In the current climate there is an urgent need for accessible, inexpensive, and easily scalable support strategies for survivors of breast cancer. Text message programs offer a low-cost way to deliver post-treatment health support in an non-invasive way. This Australian research team co-designed a text message intervention (EMPOWER-SMS) with breast cancer survivors, researchers, and health professionals to support women’s mental and physical health after breast cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential reach, perceived usefulness and acceptability, and factors influencing engagement with the EMPOWER-SMS intervention. Results indicated that participants found the messages easy to understand, useful, and motivating. When exploring barriers and enablers, factors influencing engagement with the intervention were  (i) feelings of support/continued care, (ii) convenience/flexibility of message delivery, (iii) weblinks, (iv) information from a credible source, and (v) options to save or share messages. Participants also suggested they wanted to hear about the program from someone who they feel is credible, such as their GP. Overall, this study suggests that a lifestyle-focused text message program was acceptable and useful for women after breast cancer treatment. Read full text