Cancer information seeking on the Internet: Disparities among adults with personal cancer experience

Research has shown that cancer survivors and their family members have benefited from the internet as a source for obtaining vital cancer-related information. Internet users claim to be better informed, feel more empowered, and are able to obtain critical emotional support that may not be easily available through other sources. However, not all adults with personal cancer experience have used the internet to seek cancer information. Many rely on their health care providers for this support; others are not able or comfortable using the internet.; This study investigates whether sociodemographic variables of age, gender, race/ethnicity, income, education, and psychological distress status influence usage of the internet for cancer information-seeking among cancer survivors and adults with family cancer experience. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to analyze two datasets (2003 and 2005) from the National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). The HINTS 2003 dataset is comprised of 763 cancer survivors and 3,968 adults with family cancer history; 873 cancer survivors and 4,055 adults with family cancer history make up the HINTS 2005 dataset. Findings indicate that age and education significantly predict internet use for cancer information-seeking by cancer survivors. Gender, age, race/ethnicity, education and income were significant factors for online cancer information-seeking by adults with family cancer experience. Gender, age, education, and income were also significant predictors among a general national sample. These disparities reiterate the consequences of the digital divide, and underscore the importance of improving online cancer information outreach for all who may benefit from it.; Key Words: Cancer information seeking, digital divide, online health, cancer education, health disparities...