Cancer communications research and health outcomes: Review and challenge

Abstract

This report presents a detailed review of current published research on cancer communications that provide strong positive outcome data on the effectiveness of strategic communications in cancer control. The research literature is examined in three categories based on the communications strategy used and behavior targeted: 1) strategic communications on adoption of prevention behaviors in diverse populations; and on promotion of cancer detection and screening behaviors; 2) tailored communications on promotion of cancer prevention and control; and on promotion of screening and detection behaviors; and 3) interpersonal communications on provision of social support to individuals living with cancer. The review of the literature suggests that communication interventions can influence important health outcomes in cancer prevention and control, and communication is a central process for disseminating cancer information to key populations. For example, the review illustrates the role of the NCI's Cancer Information Service as an important source of communication for providing consumers with relevant cancer information. Implications are drawn from this review for demonstrating the value of the expanded research programs proposed by the National Cancer Institute as part of their Extraordinary Opportunity in Cancer Communications Research initiative.