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

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