| Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1,368,030 people will be diagnosed in 2004. A cancer diagnosis influences patients and their family members to seek information regarding diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options and survival. The need for information during the decision-making process is high as patients and family members seek to understand the diagnosis and available treatment options. Sociodemographic factors, such as age, gender, education, and ethnicity, may affect information seeking-behavior and source preferences. A descriptive analysis of a sample of 80 participants of a larger research study, investigating patient/physician communication and its effect on accrual to clinical trials was completed and responses compared to a nationally representative database, the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Results indicate there is a difference in information-seeking behavior and source preferences between a Metropolitan Detroit sample and HINTS. |
