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Cancer information seeking among African Americans

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Abstract

Background. Relatively little is known about the factors that impact African Americans’ health information seeking, a behavior relevant to cancer disparity. Methods. In this article, we examine African American cancer information seeking using data from Cancer Information Service (CIS) call data (N=32,834 African American callers). Results. Compared to members of other racial groups, fewer African American callers sought information on prevention and psychosocial support. African American calls were likely to result in information on medical referrals and support services. Conclusions. Increased knowledge of CIS resources relevant to treatment and support may increase African American use of CIS.

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Author information

Author notes

  1. Vetta L. Sanders Thompson PhD

    Present address: Health Communication Research Laboratory, Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, 63104, St. Louis, MO

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Health Behavior Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

    Patricia Cavazos-Rehg PhD

  2. National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service, USA

    Amy Gaier BA

  3. Health Communication Research Laboratory, Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, 63104, St. Louis, MO

    Kimberly Y. Tate Ba, MPh

Authors
  1. Vetta L. Sanders Thompson PhD
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  2. Patricia Cavazos-Rehg PhD
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  3. Kimberly Y. Tate Ba, MPh
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  4. Amy Gaier BA
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Vetta L. Sanders Thompson PhD.

Additional information

Supported by a grant from the National Cancer Institute, Centers of Excellence in Cancer Communication Research (CECCR) inititative (CA-P50-95815).

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Thompson, V.L.S., Cavazos-Rehg, P., Tate, K.Y. et al. Cancer information seeking among African Americans. J Canc Educ 23, 92–101 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1080/08858190701849429

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08858190701849429

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