Barriers to seeking cancer information among Spanish-speaking cancer survivors.
BACKGROUND
Hispanics face barriers in seeking cancer information from sources such as the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service. Their cancer screening rates are lower than those for whites.


METHODS
Three focus groups were conducted with 40 Spanish-speaking cancer survivors.


RESULTS
Few patients had used a toll-free telephone number to get cancer information. Only five had used the Internet. Fear of feeling worse was a common concern in seeking cancer information, as was trying to discuss their cancer in English. Spanish language media promotions were recommended.


CONCLUSIONS
Beliefs and attitudes about cancer must be taken into account when developing culturally competent education programs for Spanish speakers.
Davis
Sharon Watkins
SW
National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service of California, Northern California Cancer Center, Fremont, CA 94538, USA. sdavis@nccc.org
Diaz-Mendez
Marynieves
M
Garcia
Maria Talosig
MT
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008490:Medical Informatics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D054547:National Cancer Institute (U.S.); D009369:Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D017741:Survivors; D014481:United States