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Information support for cancer survivors
Bradford W Hesse1, Neeraj K Arora, Ellen Burke Beckjord
1Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7365, USA. hesseb@mail.nih.gov
Cancer
|April 23, 2008
Summary
Nearly half of Americans seek cancer information, with survivors actively searching for resources. Quality concerns are common, and information needs evolve over time, highlighting the need for improved support systems.
Area of Science:
- Health Communication
- Cancer Survivorship
- Information Science
Background:
- Traditional documentation of cancer survivors' information-seeking behavior relies on self-selected inquiries.
- Existing data is limited to the period around diagnosis and motivated individuals.
- A gap exists in understanding information-seeking across the general survivor population over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of information-seeking behavior among cancer survivors in the general population.
- To identify characteristics distinguishing information seekers from non-seekers.
- To evaluate information-seeking experiences and sources used by survivors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS).
- HINTS is a general population, random digit dial telephone survey.
- Analyzed data to assess prevalence, characteristics, experiences, and information sources.
Main Results:
- 48.7% of Americans sought cancer information; 63.1% of cancer survivors reported seeking information.
- Information-seeking prevalence did not diminish over time since diagnosis.
- Quality concerns were a primary issue during information seeking; discrepancies noted between preferred and actual sources.
Conclusions:
- Information-seeking is a common and persistent behavior among cancer survivors.
- Current information environments may not adequately meet survivors' long-term needs.
- Recommendations are provided for reengineering the information environment to enhance survivor outcomes.
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