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Tangled in the Breast Cancer Web: an Evaluation of the Usage of Web-Based Information Resources by Breast Cancer Patients

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Abstract

This study describes Internet use by breast cancer patients highlighting search patterns and examining the impact of web-based information on the clinical encounter. From September 2011 to January 2012, breast cancer patients at a cancer center completed a survey. Answers were closed and open-ended. Eighty-one patients were approached and 56 completed the survey. Forty-five (80 %) respondents used the Internet and 32 (71 %) searched for breast cancer information. All used Google as their principal search engine. To evaluate quality, 47 % referred to author credentials and 41 % examined references. Most sought information with respect to treatment or prognosis. Eighty percent felt that the information increased their knowledge and influenced treatment decision making for 53 %. This study highlights search patterns and factors used by breast cancer patients in seeking web-based information. Physicians must appreciate that patients use the Internet and address discrepancies between information sought and that which is available.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. British Columbia Cancer Agency-Fraser Valley Centre, Surrey, BC, Canada

    Sonia Kim Anh Nguyen & Paris-Ann Ingledew

  2. British Columbia Cancer Agency-Fraser Valley Centre, 13750 96th Ave, Surrey, BC, V3V 1Z2, Canada

    Paris-Ann Ingledew

Authors
  1. Sonia Kim Anh Nguyen
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  2. Paris-Ann Ingledew
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Correspondence to Paris-Ann Ingledew.

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Nguyen, S.K.A., Ingledew, PA. Tangled in the Breast Cancer Web: an Evaluation of the Usage of Web-Based Information Resources by Breast Cancer Patients. J Canc Educ 28, 662–668 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-013-0509-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-013-0509-6

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