[Signs of social inequality in information seeking and evaluation of information among young women with breast cancer - results of a cohort study].

OBJECTIVE: The extent to which cancer patients are well-informed can have manifold effects. The aim of this study was to explore both the sources of information that young breast cancer patients with children use and how they evaluate the information obtained.

METHODS: Participants were recruited within a rehabilitation program for young mothers with non-metastatic breast cancer (the Groemitz project "gemeinsam gesund werden"). Data on information seeking, the level of information, socio-demographic data and clinical characteristics were collected using a questionnaire.

RESULTS: The patients (n=827) used several additional sources of information - most frequently the internet (69.5%; n=767). The majority felt well informed about their disease and found the information provided easy to understand. A social gradient was observed in relation to media use, information evaluation and obtaining a second opinion.

CONCLUSION: To young breast cancer patients, the internet is crucial for obtaining further information. The indication of a social gradient underlines the importance of addressing the information needs of patients with a lower socioeconomic status.