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Background: Hispanics are differentially burdened by inequities in cancer outcomes. Increasing knowledge about cancer and cancer services among Hispanics may aid in reducing inequities, but little is known about what information sources are considered most effective or most trusted by this diverse population. The goal of this study was to examine heterogeneity in trust of cancer information from various media sources among U.S. Hispanic adults. Methods: Using data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 4, Cycles 2 and 4 and HINTS 5, Cycle 2, we examined nine trust questions, divided into four domains of health communication sources [doctor, government health/charitable organizations, media (including Internet), and family/friends and religious organizations]. Independent variables examined were gender, Hispanic ethnic categories (Mexican American, Cuban/Puerto Rican, and other Hispanics), age, education, income, language, and nativity. We used multivariable logistic regression with survey weights to identify independent predictors of cancer information source use and trust. Results: Of the 1,512 respondents, trust in sources ranged from 27% for radio to 91% for doctors. In multivariable models, Cubans/Puerto Ricans were twice as likely to trust cancer information from print media compared with Mexican Americans. Hispanics 75 years and older were nearly three times as likely to trust cancer information from religious organizations compared with those ages 18 to 34. Hispanic women were 59% more likely to trust cancer information from the Internet compared with men. Conclusions: Subgroup variability in source use and trust may be masked by broad racial and ethnic categories. Impact: Among Hispanics, there is significant variation by ethnicity and other sociodemographics in trust of sources of cancer information across multiple constructs, with notable implications for disseminating cancer information.

In May 2016, the NCI announced supplemental funding for NCI-Designated Cancer Centers to conduct research to better characterize populations within cancer center catchment areas. The initiative was intended to support primary data collection efforts to better define and describe cancer center catchment areas using a multilevel population health framework. The long-term goal was to facilitate collaborations in which researchers, providers, public health practitioners, and nonprofit organizations could utilize the data to develop or expand applied cancer control research, planning, and implementation, with an emphasis on local health disparities and communication inequalities. This CEBP Focus issue on “Population Health Assessment in Cancer Center Catchment Areas” highlights the results from those catchment area data collection efforts. Articles highlight research from surveys conducted to define and describe cancer center catchment areas using both probability and nonprobability designs and a variety of sampling techniques, survey modes, and data linkages. Some articles report pooled analyses of data collected by multiple cancer centers to highlight local versus national comparisons based on standardized behavioral and demographic measures. Others examine rural–urban differences in measures relevant to cancer prevention and control. The studies published in this Focus will provide the field with a myriad of methodologic approaches for defining and describing cancer center catchment areas.