4 ISSN: 1676-4285 Understanding functional health literacy in experiences with prostate cancer: older men as consumers of health information. Margareth S. Zanchetta ABSTRACT This paper presents part of the fndings of a doctoral study aiming to understand the construction of informational strategies for living and dealing with Prostate Cancer related information according to self- reported levels of functional health literacy. A qualitative modeling design framed the inquiry through the constructivist perspective. Older men recreate modes of living and attitudes toward information according to their social and cultural capital, as well as the intensity of their contact with an informational network. Self-reported levels of functional health literacy seem to be harmonious with distinct informational profles/ patterns despite diferences in general literacy or formal education. This study implies a new understanding of functional health literacy and its role, the dynamics of social/informational networks, as well as the needs of redesigning communication strategies. Key words: functional health literacy, qualitative modeling, prostate cancer, prostatic neoplasms. ZANCHETTA, M.S. Understanding functional health literacy in experiences with prostate cancer: older men as consumers of health information. Online Brazilian Journal of Nursing (OBJN_ISSN 1676-4285), v.3, n.2: 4-15, 2004 [Online]. Available at:www.uf.br/nepae/objn302zanchetta.htm