The Communications Revolution and Health Inequalities in the 21st Century: Implications for Cancer Control

Abstract

The radical and transformative developments in information and communication technologies (ICTs) offer unprecedented opportunities to promote cancer control and enhance population and individual health. However, the current context in which these technologies are being deployed—where cancer incidence and mortality and communication are characterized by inequalities among different racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status groups—raises important questions for cancer communication research, policy, and practice. Drawing on illustrative data, this essay characterizes the communications revolution and elucidates on its implications for cancer control, with a particular focus on communication inequalities and cancer disparities.

Internet Use and Cancer-Preventive Behaviors in Older Adults: Findings from a Longitudinal Cohort Study

“…There are, inevitably, shortcomings of Internet-based health information (34). It is largely unregulated and therefore has the potential to adversely influence public perceptions of cancer or contradict evidence-based cancer control messages (52).…”

“…Internet use in older people is a particular issue in the context of cancer prevention because people are more likely to develop cancer in older age (32,33) and increasingly face decisions about taking part in cancer control behaviors such as breast and colorectal screening. Health communication experts have expressed concern that this could lead to significant inequalities in access to health information and advice and ultimately widen disparities in cancer outcomes (34).…”

Determinants of Health Information-Seeking Behavior: Implications for Post-Treatment Cancer Patients

“…Despite the abundance of health information, however, huge disparities exist between individuals in their levels of health knowledge, their interest in health information, and their health information-seeking behaviors (Viswanath, 2005). Therefore, numerous advanced countries spotlight health informationseeking behaviors (HISBs) as a key element of health communication.Free access, active search, and accurate understanding and use of health information heavily influence a healthy lifestyle, early diagnosis of disease, disease control, participation in medical decision-making, understanding of therapeutic processes, and the treatment of ultimately terminal patients or post-treatment cancer patients (Van der Molem, 1999;Viswanath et al, 2012). Formerly, doctors acted as the sole providers of health information, but technological advances in communication and information dissemination created an environment that offers diverse sources of information related to health management (Fallowfield et al, 1995 …”

“…Free access, active search, and accurate understanding and use of health information heavily influence a healthy lifestyle, early diagnosis of disease, disease control, participation in medical decision-making, understanding of therapeutic processes, and the treatment of ultimately terminal patients or post-treatment cancer patients (Van der Molem, 1999;Viswanath et al, 2012). Formerly, doctors acted as the sole providers of health information, but technological advances in communication and information dissemination created an environment that offers diverse sources of information related to health management (Fallowfield et al, 1995 …”

Beyond the Hype: Mobile Technologies and Opportunities to Address Health Disparities

“…It was championed as a means to overcome socioeconomic, demographic and geographic barriers, yet considerable evidence shows a digital divide and fewer opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. It is possible that mHealth may be different given the rapid worldwide penetration of mobile telecommunication technologies; however, despite the decreasing costs of owning the actual devices, continuing access to data services through subscription represents a considerable expense for low-income individuals 7 and limits access and use of these services. 8 This creates challenges for many people to maintain a continuous and reliable wireless connection to the Internet, which would severely limit their ability to benefit from mHealth applications requiring continual illness monitoring, real-time data collection, or remote syncing to the virtual cloud.…”