ASPO Abstracts
Seeking cervical cancer information from the National Cancer Institute"s Cancer Information Service (CIS): Differences in CIS interactions by language
Category: Cancer Health Disparities
Conference Year: 2022
Abstract Body:
Purpose of the study: Given the disproportionate cervical cancer burden among Hispanic women in the U.S., we compared English and Spanish language information-seeking behaviors about cervical cancer using the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (CIS), a trusted, multichannel resource for cancer information.Methods: Using data from September 2018 - September 2021, we analyzed 1,628 CIS inquiries focused on cervical cancer from cancer survivors, caregivers, and the general public. We performed descriptive cross-tabulations to compare interaction characteristics by language of service. Chi-square tests were used to determine whether differences were statistically significant.Results: Although cervical cancer-related CIS inquiries were primarily conducted in English (71%) compared to Spanish (29%), we found significant differences in user type, point of access, and cancer care continuum discussed by language (all p<.001). A majority of Spanish-language inquiries about cervical cancer (60%) were from the general public compared to English-language inquiries, which were more evenly distributed across the general public (41%), caregivers (36%), and survivors (23%). Spanish language users contacted the CIS for cervical cancer information nearly 2-times more through LiveHelp instant chat than English-language users (61% vs. 33%) and 4-times more through social media (8% vs. 2%). Most Spanish-language cervical cancer inquiries (67%) focused on earlier stages of the cancer care continuum (screening, diagnostics, general questions) compared to English language inquiries (54%) that were focused on later stages (staging, treatment, post-treatment). Common topics covered in Spanish included risk factors, symptoms, prevention, screening and diagnostic tests, and finding health care services, which align with earlier stages of cancer continuum.Conclusions: Provision of language-concordant cancer prevention and screening information through multiple channels, including social media and instant messaging channels, is important, particularly for populations who may be at higher risk of cervical cancer. Findings may inform equitable strategies for cancer information dissemination efforts by clinical teams and public health agencies.
Keywords: cancer information-seeking, cervical cancer, health disparities, screening and early detection