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Cancer patients' search for information
1Prevention Research Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health 60607.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Monographs
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Cancer patients seeking information beyond their doctors often feel more stressed and desire greater treatment involvement. They actively look for explanatory details about their condition and care post-diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Health Communication
- Patient Behavior
Background:
- Cancer patients frequently seek information beyond their healthcare providers.
- Understanding patient information-seeking behavior is crucial for supportive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and compare the information-seeking behaviors of cancer patients receiving information from a Cancer Information Service (CIS) versus those seeking information independently.
- To identify characteristics and motivations of cancer patients who actively seek health information.
Main Methods:
- Comparative study involving 257 patients/relatives from CIS and 262 matched cancer patients.
- Analysis of information sources consulted, patient demographics, and psychological factors.
Main Results:
- 53% of matched patients sought information from sources other than physicians.
- Information seekers reported higher stress, desire for involvement, and less confidence in physician's knowledge.
- Both groups primarily sought explanatory information about cancer and treatment, ideally post-diagnosis and pre-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Cancer patients seeking external information share characteristics with those using dedicated services like CIS.
- These patients exhibit a proactive approach to understanding their diagnosis and treatment.
- Tailored information delivery post-diagnosis is critical for cancer patient support.