Information-Seeking Patterns and Communication Preferences Among Japanese Survivors With Cancer: Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background With increasing numbers of survivors with cancer, the importance of patient-centered information provision and communication to alleviate psychological burdens, such as anxiety and depression, is growing. However, substantial individual differences exist in patients with cancer information–seeking behaviors and use of support services, and few studies have comprehensively examined cognitive and psychological factors such as treatment status, sex, trust in information sources, and patient-provider relationships. Objective This study aimed to integrate the theory of planned behavior and the patient-provider relationship model to identify latent subgroups among Japanese survivors with cancer using information-seeking behaviors, difficulties in information seeking, trust in information sources, and intentions to use psychosocial support services recommended by medical institutions. Methods A CHERRIES (Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys)–compliant cross-sectional web survey was conducted in December 2024 with 350 Japanese survivors with cancer (at least 1 year post diagnosis, either undergoing treatment, or within 5 years after completing treatment). Exploratory factor analysis examined items such as difficulties in information seeking, trust in information sources, and assessment of relationships with physicians. Using the resulting factor structure and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, latent class analysis was conducted. Differences between classes were examined using the chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and post hoc analyses. Results Latent class analysis classified participants into 3 groups: women under observation, men under observation, and patients under treatment. In the women under observation group, evaluation of the reliability of information from nonmedical institutions was significantly higher than in the male group (²=12.30;=.002). Although information-seeking behavior among men under observation was relatively limited, their evaluation of relationships with physicians was significantly higher than that of the treatment group (²=12.20;=.002). The proportion of men who regarded promoting communication with doctors and health care professionals as a benefit of using support services was also significantly higher than that of women (²=12.57;=.002 and Class 2 > Class 1;=.001). In the treatment group, searches for information on life during treatment (²=7.22;=.03), use of the Cancer Consultation Support Center (²=17.31;<.001), and use of the National Cancer Center website (²=7.59;=.02) were significantly higher than among men under observation. The treatment group also reported greater difficulty in seeking information (²=11.90;=.003). Conclusions Information-seeking behaviors, trusted sources, and perceived difficulties differed by sex and treatment stage among Japanese survivors with cancer. Patients undergoing treatment showed high information needs but greater difficulty in seeking information, suggesting reduced perceived behavioral control. Men under follow-up emphasized relationships with physicians, whereas women relied more on nonmedical information sources. These findings indicate that psychosocial support and information provision should be optimized according to patient-provider communication patterns.