Racial differences in knowledge of cancer: a pilot study

Abstract

The present study examined the reported sources of information on cancer and the level of cancer knowledge for a sample of black and white adults. Black respondents had significantly less knowledge and the relationship between race and cancer knowledge persisted even when controlling for education, sex, and age. Possible reasons for the observed difference include (a) the tendency for blacks to obtain information on cancer from television and radio, while whites rely more on printed materials, (b) differences in the quality of education received by black and white adults, and (c) a possible lack of motivation on the part of black respondents to acquire knowledge of cancer due to lower access to medical care. Intervention programs designed to provide all blacks with information about cancer should take into account the preferred sources of information, and should be oriented toward reducing the barriers to taking action related to prevention and early detection as well as increasing perceptions of the benefits of taking such action.