Perception of Bowel Cancer Information Overload: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Objective To identify levels of bowel cancer information overload and associated predictors. Methods A cross-sectional online survey of Tasmanians ≥18 years measured bowel cancer information overload using a modified Cancer Information Overload Scale. Descriptive statistics summarized participants’ demographic and information overload data; linear regression investigated information overload predictors. Results The analysis included 3,701 Tasmanians (75.8% female). Above 50% of participants disagreed/strongly disagreed with the statements favoring information overload. Significant predictors of bowel cancer information overload included current smokers, body mass index, lower educational attainment, and living less rurally. Conclusion In this study bowel cancer information overload was associated with lower educational attainment, current smokers, higher body mass index, and living less rurally.