Sources of cancer information for seniors: a focus group pilot study report.
BACKGROUND
Limited research has been conducted on older adults' sources of cancer information. Seniors require accurate and credible cancer information given that increased age is a major risk factor for most common, adult-onset cancers.


METHODS
To examine older women's sources of cancer information and their views on cancer as portrayed in mass print publications, three pilot focus groups were conducted in Toronto, Canada with community-dwelling senior women aged 50 and over (n = 18).


RESULTS
Results showed that the majority of participants obtained their cancer facts from two primary sources: physicians and the print media, although both sources were perceived to provide inadequate and unclear information. Medical journalists were rated as scientifically untrained members of the media who provided conflicting health information to the public. Cancer information was regarded as credible by participants if it came from authoritative sources including notable journals, government agencies, or health organizations.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings reflect senior women's concerns with cancer research information being disseminated through the media. To facilitate cancer prevention and early detection behaviors, it is important that the media impart accurate and understandable cancer information to our aging population.
Friedman
Daniela B
DB
Department of Health Studies and Gerontology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Hoffman-Goetz
Laurie
L
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008402:Mass Media; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D009864:Ontario; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013664:Teaching Materials