Meeting the information needs of lower income cancer survivors: Results of a randomized control trial evaluating the american cancer society's I can cope program

PURPOSE: To evaluate the American Cancer Society's (ACS) "I Can Cope, (ICC)" educational program among low‐income, minority cancer survivors. METHODS: We conducted a community hospital‐based randomized control trial (RCT). The intervention consisted of four ICC sessions (Learning about Cancer; Understanding Cancer Treatments; Pain Management; and Keeping Well in Mind and Body), the control arm offered general health and wellness sessions (Humor Therapy; Meditation; Relaxation; and Music Therapy). Success in meeting information needs was measured on a 4 point scale: (0 = No need ‐ 3 = High need) for each ICC topic and overall. We assessed baseline sociodemographic and clinical variables, met informational needs, confidence in finding cancer advice, and information‐seeking. Outcomes were assessed again immediately and 6 months post‐intervention. Descriptive statistics were obtained. Mixed models with repeated measures and intent‐to‐ treat analysis were conducted. RESULTS: Participants (n = 140) were 2.1 years post‐diagnosis, African American (79.3%), and were primarily breast (38%), hematologic (13.1%) or colorectal (12.4%) cancer. Mean age was 53 + 10.5 years. At baseline, all participants had moderately high information needs (2.22 + 0.84). Both interventions were rated highly (e.g., sessions were useful to participants). Information needs decreased for both groups over time. ICC participants and the control group had a similar level of met needs (p > 0.05). Baseline confidence in finding advice about cancer was significantly associated with less information need across time (p < 0.05). Compared to younger cancer survivors, older survivors had higher need for treatment‐ related information (p = 0.03) and survivors with less education (p = 0.02) and income (p = 0.03) had greater overall information needs. CONCLUSIONS: Low income, minority cancer survivors found some value in ICC, although no effects on met information needs over time were apparent. Confidence in finding cancer advice appears to be important in meeting information needs. RESEARCH IMPLICATIONS: Research should identify the best ways to deliver cancer information to older individuals and those with less education and income. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Interventions to increase cancer survivors' confidence in finding information may be an important complement to education programs.