Characterizing the Relationship Between Health Numeracy and Cancer-Related Beliefs Among US Adults

<strong>Background: </strong>Cancer remains a leading cause of death in the United States, underscoring the need for engagement in preventive behaviors. Cancer-related beliefs such as cancer fatalism and information overload may influence preventive cancer-related behaviors, emphasizing the need to understand factors that shape these beliefs. This study examines the association between health numeracy and these cancer-related beliefs, and whether this relationship differs between rural and urban populations, to better understand how health numeracy influences these beliefs.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>Methods: </strong>This study uses data from the Health Information and National Trends Survey Cycle 6 administered by the National Cancer Institute in 2022. The survey population includes 6,011 respondents aged 18 years and older. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between respondent numeracy and several constructs describing cancer-related beliefs representing cancer fatalism and information overload. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic variables and further adjusted for additional identified covariates. Rural-urban stratification analyses were also performed to assess the association in rural vs. urban contexts. &nbsp; <strong>Results: </strong>Respondents with low numeracy were more likely to endorse cancer fatalistic beliefs and experience information overload compared to those with high numeracy. These associations persisted after adjustment for sociodemographic factors, internet use, and social media use. The magnitude of the association appeared to be greater in rural populations compared to urban populations. &nbsp; <strong>Implications: </strong>These findings highlight an association between health numeracy and cancer fatalistic beliefs and information overload and suggest that numeracy may play an important role in how individuals interpret cancer-related information, including prevention knowledge. Incorporating numeracy-informed communication strategies at both the systemic level and within clinical environments may support patient-centered decision making, health behaviors, and help address disparities in the prevalence of these beliefs and cancer outcomes. &nbsp;