Perception of bowel cancer information overload: A cross-sectional study

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.