Background: Prior to the widespread diffusion of the Internet, cancer patients depended primarily on health professionals for information about treatment options. Objectives: To examine, among patients at a cancer center, the extent to which the Internet is used to obtain healthcare information; the relationship between Internet use and knowledge and desirability of standard versus alternative treatment options. Methods: Prior to their initial appointment, 660 patients were recruited for study participation in the waiting room. Self reported knowledge and perceived desirability were assessed from a list of five standard and two alternative treatment options. Statistical models included age, education, perceived health status, and main source for healthcare information -- Internet, health professionals, books, or “other”. Results: Mean and median age was 55 years, nearly 20% of the sample was 70 years or older. A total of 272 (41.2%) patients claimed they used the Internet to get healthcare information; 4.8% stated that the Internet was their main source for healthcare information. Multiple linear regression found Internet use significantly related to knowledge of chemotherapy (Beta=0.53), radiation (Beta=0.37), bone marrow transplant (Beta=0.50), and clinical trials (Beta=0.39), but not alternative treatment options. Internet use was also independently related to perceived desirability for chemotherapy (Odd Ratio=2.86) and bone marrow transplant (Odd Ratio=2.94), but unrelated to psychological/spiritual (e.g., visualization) or physical (e.g., homeopathy) treatment options. Conclusions: Our data suggest that cancer patients are using the Internet to increase their knowledge of treatment options, and with increased knowledge may come greater willingness to undergo standard cancer treatment.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Cancer, Treatment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.