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Published in: Journal of Cancer Education 1/2015

01-03-2015

Predictors of Cancer Fear: The Association Between Mass Media and Fear of Cancer Among Cancer Diagnosed and Nondiagnosed Individuals

Authors: Sara Nelissen, Kathleen Beullens, Marijke Lemal, Jan Van den Bulck

Published in: Journal of Cancer Education | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Few studies have explored the impact of mass media on fear of cancer levels. This study investigates whether television and Internet use are associated with fear of cancer, and whether this association is different for cancer diagnosed and nondiagnosed individuals. A quantitative, standardized survey was used and administered to 2008 respondents in Flanders (Belgium), of which 621 individuals were diagnosed with cancer. For statistical analyses, hierarchical regression analyses, independent samples T-tests and post hoc mediation analyses were conducted. The results indicated that cancer diagnosed individuals differed from nondiagnosed individuals in terms of perceived cancer susceptibility, perceived cancer severity, fear of cancer, and media use. Furthermore, television exposure was directly and positively related to fear of cancer, whereas Internet use was not. The relationship between television and Internet use and fear of cancer was not different for cancer diagnosed and nondiagnosed individuals. Additional post hoc mediation analyses, however, seemed to suggest that watching more television and surfing more on the Internet could both lead to having a more negative perceived health and this was in turn associated with higher fear of cancer. To help reduce the burden of fear of cancer, cancer educators and individuals working with cancer patients need to be aware of the possible negative effects media use might have on health perception and on the levels of fear of cancer.
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Metadata
Title
Predictors of Cancer Fear: The Association Between Mass Media and Fear of Cancer Among Cancer Diagnosed and Nondiagnosed Individuals
Authors
Sara Nelissen
Kathleen Beullens
Marijke Lemal
Jan Van den Bulck
Publication date
01-03-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Cancer Education / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 0885-8195
Electronic ISSN: 1543-0154
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-014-0705-z

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