According to a new survey commissioned by the Canadian Cancer Society, 45 per cent of adults look for information on cancer online rather than first consulting a healthcare practitioner. More than half of Canadians say it is challenging to find time to speak to their doctors. Although information on the web is easily accessible, 66 per cent of people felt overwhelmed with it and 62 per cent felt stressed out and worried.
When it comes to cancer, 94 per cent of Canadians trust doctors and healthcare practitioners, but only eight per cent of the respondents contact them first with their questions. Cancer organizations and charities are trusted by 87 per cent with only 4.5 per cent of Canadians interested in getting more information on cancer reaching out to them.
When the respondents found about the Society’s Cancer Information Service, 64 per cent said they would call instead of searching online and 82 per cent would use the service if their doctor recommended it.
