Health literacy – clearer cancer communication for better health

Health literacy is the ability to get, understand and use healthcare information.

Around 1 in 3 people in Ireland have difficulties with health literacy.

Health literacy difficulties can have a huge effect on patients’ ability to prevent and cope with illnesses, including cancer. 

People with low health literacy are:

• More likely to get cancer
• Less likely to get screened 
• Less likely to take lifestyle steps to avoid cancer
• More likely to be diagnosed later. This can mean their cancer is harder to treat 
• More likely to have trouble managing their disease – for example, making treatment decisions, taking medication correctly and managing side-effects
• More likely to suffer severe distress
• More likely to die from their cancer

The Irish Cancer Society wants everyone in Ireland to have the same access to care and support during their cancer journey. Supporting good health literacy by working with cancer patients and the people who care for them will help to reduce inequalities in cancer rates, experiences and outcomes.

We want to empower people with confidence and skills to cope better with their cancer and avoid unnecessary physical and emotional difficulties.

We have worked with the Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) to produce videos on 3 core areas of health literacy. The videos were supported by MSD and feature cancer survivors and an adult literacy learner. 

You can watch our Patient empowerment videos to find out more

Our cancer nurses – in hospital-based Daffodil Centres and on our Freephone Support Line – are there for patients who have difficulty getting, understanding or using health information.

Healthcare professionals have an important role in supporting patients with health literacy needs. Clear, efficient communication helps cancer patients to understand and manage their treatment and care.

Our booklets and web information are designed to support patients and busy doctors by providing easy-to-understand information on all stages of the cancer journey – from prevention and early detection to diagnosis and treatment, side-effects and where to go for practical and emotional support.