This research, based on a national survey data by National Cancer
Institute, explores whether and how social support, self-efficacy and
communication competence strengthen cancer communication intention, as
well as whether and how cancer communication intention influences cancer
communication behavior, including screening. Results indicate that if people
perceive that they have higher levels of social support, self-efficacy and
communication competence, they tend to have stronger cancer communication
intention. Also, the stronger the public's cancer communication intention,
the more active their cancer communication behavior. In particular, social
support through face-to-face communication can improve self-efficacy and
make cancer communication more energetic. It seems vital to help the
public, the target of health communication, have more confidence on health
behavior and increase their intention of initiating health behavior, such as
screening, as well. Moreover, this process can contribute to enhancing the
public' empowerment in terms of their health care.