Understanding middle-aged and older adults' first associations with the word "cancer": A mixed methods study in England.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Cancer is still widely feared and often associated with death. Fatalistic beliefs adversely affect help-seeking for cancer symptoms and engagement in cancer prevention. This study aims to understand middle-aged and older adults' first association with the word "cancer" and their relationship with sociodemographic factors, cancer fear, and cancer information avoidance.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1464 community-based adults aged 50 to 70 living in England in April 2015. First associations with cancer were measured qualitatively and analysed using content analysis. We used binary logistic regression to analyse associations between the most common first association of cancer and sociodemographic characteristics, cancer fear, and cancer information

SUBMITTER: Agustina E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5813269 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature