Internet is indeed useful source for patients with cancer

Editor—Ziebland et al investigated how the use of the internet affected patients' experience of cancer.¹ The experiences reported by the patients they interviewed are certainly consistent with those that patients and families on the wards tell of internet use and are similar to findings of two surveys of Australian patients with cancer in Sydney.²,³

These surveys documented high and rising rates of internet use among patients with cancer (46% in 2001). Importantly patients' perceptions of the impact of the internet on their relationships and discussions with their doctor, decisions on treatment, and coping were overwhelmingly positive.

Figure 1.

Credit: JOHN GREIM/SPL

Among 83 non-users of the internet, recruited from consecutive attenders at the oncology outpatient department, the most common reason for non-use reported was lack of access (60%), as assumed by Ziebland et al. Other reasons for non-use were lack of internet skills (29%), concerns about information found there (7%), time and resource costs (6%), and having sufficient information from other sources (14%).

There is no doubt that the internet is now a cultural norm for information seeking and that this extends to all of us when we require health information. Having accepted this, we need to use the information seeking experience, described in research such as Ziebland et al, to meet patient needs better and contribute to the equal meeting of such needs for all patients.

Specifically oncology services, health departments, cancer organisations, and charities should consider means to facilitate access to the internet, especially for disadvantaged patients or those in remote areas. Organisations and providers can assist patients and their families by ensuring websites contain locally relevant, user friendly, accurate information and links.