Understanding Cancer Information Seeking Among Individuals With Cancer Experience in Hong Kong

Information is crucial for individuals with a history of cancer and their close associates throughout the cancer journey. This study examined factors associated with perceived information insufficiency and the motivation for further information seeking among individuals with cancer experience in Hong Kong. The analysis drew on survey data from 510 respondents who either had personal cancer history or were family members and close friends of those diagnosed with cancer. Respondents with higher risk judgment and greater cancer worry perceived a greater discrepancy between their current and desired knowledge about cancer. Their motivation to seek further cancer information was driven by cancer worry, informational subjective norms, information insufficiency, and information usefulness. Furthermore, information usefulness moderated the relationship between information insufficiency and the intention to seek more information. These findings offer a foundation for future research on cancer information engagement in the Hong Kong context and beyond.