Cancer Information Overload Across Time: Evidence from Two Longitudinal Studies

Abstract

A majority of U.S. adults report feeling overwhelmed by the amount of available cancer information, termed cancer information overload (CIO). Research has demonstrated CIO is prevalent and negatively related to health behaviors, but no study to date has examined this disposition across time. Two longitudinal studies–a colonoscopy intervention among older U.S. adults (N = 237) and an HPV vaccination intervention among young U.S. women (N = 411)–were utilized to examine CIO stability across time and its relationship to prevention intentions and indifference. CIO increased indifference for non-adherent individuals but had no effect on intentions. CIO was stable in study 1 but not study 2, suggesting CIO stabilizes across the life course. Results also support a five-item measure of CIO.