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Cancer information needs in rural areas
Kimberly K Engelman1, Denise L Perpich, Shelly L Peterson
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. kengelma@kumc.edu
Journal of Health Communication
|July 23, 2005
Summary
Rural cancer patients often need more information than they receive, highlighting a gap in cancer care resources. Improving access to national cancer information sources is crucial for addressing these unmet needs in rural communities.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Cancer patients in rural communities face unique challenges accessing information.
- Existing cancer information (CI) resources may not adequately meet the needs of rural populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the cancer information needs of rural-dwelling individuals.
- To investigate their cancer information-seeking behaviors and preferences.
Main Methods:
- A survey (Cancer Care Information Needs Survey - CCINS) was administered to 801 patients aged 50+ in rural Kansas primary care practices.
- Physicians in these practices also completed a survey on their knowledge and preferences regarding cancer resources.
Main Results:
- 184 patients (23%) reported a need for cancer information.
- Among those needing information, 45% experienced insufficient discussion time with their physician, and 44% desired more information post-consultation.
- Younger, female, internet-using patients, those with prior cancer diagnoses, and those seeing male or group-practice physicians were more likely to report CI needs.
- Both patients and physicians demonstrated unfamiliarity with services offered by national cancer organizations.
Conclusions:
- Physicians are a key source of cancer information, but rural patients frequently report inadequate discussion time and a need for more information.
- There is a significant gap in cancer information access for rural populations.
- Enhancing access to national cancer information resources could help bridge this gap.