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The Impact of a Primetime Cancer Storyline: From Individual Knowledge and Behavioral Intentions to Policy-level Changes

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Abstract

We assessed the educational impact of a primetime network TV storyline that addressed cancer patient navigators. An online survey was administered after the episode aired. Exposed respondents saw the episode (n = 336); unexposed respondents did not (n = 211). Exposed respondents were more likely to report they would recommend a patient navigator (61% vs. 48%, p = 0.01). Clips of the episode were shown to raise awareness of patient navigators in a Congressional Committee meeting before the Patient Navigator Act was signed into law (2005). Entertainment education can have a positive impact on cancer knowledge and can contribute to policy-level decisions.

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Correspondence to Pamela M. Marcus.

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Marcus, P.M., Huang, G.C., Beck, V. et al. The Impact of a Primetime Cancer Storyline: From Individual Knowledge and Behavioral Intentions to Policy-level Changes. J Canc Educ 25, 484–489 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-010-0093-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-010-0093-y

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