Sources of cancer information for seniors: a focus group pilot study report

Limited research has been conducted on older adults' sources of cancer information. Seniors require accurate and credible cancer information given that increased age is a major risk factor for most common, adult-onset cancers.

To examine older women's sources of cancer information and their views on cancer as portrayed in mass print publications, three pilot focus groups were conducted in Toronto, Canada with community-dwelling senior women aged 50 and over (n = 18).

Results showed that the majority of participants obtained their cancer facts from two primary sources: physicians and the print media, although both sources were perceived to provide inadequate and unclear information. Medical journalists were rated as scientifically untrained members of the media who provided conflicting health information to the public. Cancer information was regarded as credible by participants if it came from authoritative sources including notable journals, government agencies, or health organizations.

These findings reflect senior women's concerns with cancer research information being disseminated through the media. To facilitate cancer prevention and early detection behaviors, it is important that the media impart accurate and understandable cancer information to our aging population.