Optimistic bias, information seeking and intention to undergo prostate cancer screening: A Taiwan study on male adults

Lu, Hung-Yi; Andrews, James E.; Hou, Hsin-Ya

BACKGROUND: This study explores optimistic bias and information seeking in prostate cancer patients and how they impact intention to undergo prostate cancer screening. METHODS: A national sample of 427 Taiwanese male adults aged at least 45 years (mean (M) = 57) were recruited to complete a telephone-based survey questionnaire between April 30 and May 8, 2008. RESULTS: The questionnaire results showed that respondents considered themselves less likely than others to get prostate cancer. The relationship between optimistic bias and intention to undergo prostate cancer screening was non-significant, while information seeking positively and significantly predicted such an intention. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study imply that health educators should include risk-awareness strategies and information seeking interventions in the design of cancer prevention programs.