Perceptions of cancer as a death sentence: prevalence and consequences.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2014
Institution/Department
CORE
Journal Title
Journal of health psychology
MeSH Headings
Adolescent, Adult, Attitude to Death, Educational Status, Female, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Neoplasms, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Prevalence, Sex Factors, Young Adult
Abstract
Research suggests that perceiving cancer as a death sentence is a critical determinant of health care-seeking behaviors. However, there is limited information regarding the prevalence of this perception in the US population. Cross-sectional analysis of data (n = 7674 adults) from the 2007-2008 administration of the nationally representative Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 3) was performed. A majority (61.6%) of respondents perceived cancer as death sentence, and more than one-third (36%) of respondents reported that they avoid seeing their physicians. In the adult US population, perceiving cancer as a death sentence is common and is associated with education level and avoidance of physicians.
ISSN
1461-7277
First Page
1518
Last Page
1524
Recommended Citation
Moser, Richard P; Arndt, Jamie; Han, Paul K; Waters, Erika A; Amsellem, Marni; and Hesse, Bradford W, "Perceptions of cancer as a death sentence: prevalence and consequences." (2014). MaineHealth Maine Medical Center. 347.
https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/mmc/347