Dhaka, Aug. 17 -- A newspaper story can be accurate, well-sourced and informative, yet still leave readers with no clear idea of what to do next. That is one of the most important lessons emerging from a five-year study of cancer coverage in two major Bangladeshi newspapers.

The study examined 257 cancer stories published online between February 2019 and February 2024 and found that fewer than half - 49 percent - contained what communication researchers call mobilising information (MI), or practical details that can help readers turn health awareness into action.

The research was led by Anirudha Biswas of the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida, who is also the corresponding author. His co-authors are M...