Welcome to my blog. I'm honored to have this opportunity to share some thoughts and insights about navigating the "journey through cancer" as skillfully and effectively as possible. This is, of course, a complex process, and it requires heart and courage as well as knowledge and good medical care. At Caring4Cancer, we are proud to bring leading-edge information, guidance, support, and practical solutions about all aspects of the journey for patients, family members, and caregivers.
Today I thought I'd share some thoughts and insights about the Internet, and what an incredible tool it has become for anyone dealing with illness, and especially cancer. To begin, here are some interesting statistics:
- In 2004 approximately 120 million Americans were using the Internet.
- Up to 80 percent (nearly 100 million) used the Internet to find health information.
- Currently, more than 5 million Americans go online to search for health information each day.
- More than half report that the Internet improved the way they receive health information.
People with cancer—their family members, loved ones, and friends—among the most active users of the Internet. Their numbers are significant and growing. Recent studies reveal that:
- There are more than 10 million Americans alive today who have been
- diagnosed with cancer.
- Each year more than 1.4 million people in the United States are diagnosed with cancer.
- Approximately 30 percent to 40 percent of cancer patients use the Internet directly
- (i.e., themselves).
- An additional 15 percent to 20 percent of patients use it indirectly (i.e., have
- information retrieved for them by a spouse, child, or friend).
Use of the Internet will undoubtedly continue in the coming years. In this context, it is important to mention some challenges that patients with cancer and their loved ones often encounter with the Internet.
To begin, the amount of information about cancer available online is staggering, and much of it is unreliable. It can also be very disorganized and difficult to understand. Patients and families must have trust and confidence in the information they are finding on the Internet. They must also have assistance in sorting through what information is relevant for their unique situation and what is not.
That's where Caring4Cancer comes in: all of its information is reviewed by leading experts in oncology, is fully up-to-date, and completely reliable. It is clearly organized, and can be specifically tailored to each individual's circumstance. Furthermore, it addresses the needs, questions, and concerns of loved ones and caregivers as well as patients.
In addition to providing important health-related information, the Internet is becoming widely used as a resource for connection with others and emotional support—for people dealing with cancer. Online support groups, message boards, and chat rooms are now widespread.
They have some distinct advantages over more traditional cancer support groups and forums. They can be accessed from home, 24 hours a day, and allow participation to be completely anonymous. They allow people from different walks of life and in different parts of the country (or world) to easily connect and share stories, information, and support. Communicating online also eliminates any visual distractions that can arise from age, gender, or social status. Connection with other people dealing with a particular type of cancer can also be facilitated.
Meaningful research on the benefits of online groups and support programs is growing. A number of published studies document their benefits and potential to help people feel connected, empowered, and better informed, and to live more effectively with their disease.
I encourage you to join the Online Community at Caring4Cancer. Explore the numerous opportunities to find important information, support, and connection with others. Learn about The Seven Levels of Healing and how they can transform your cancer journey. Visit the Seven Levels message board and share your stories, knowledge, and questions. Sign up to receive our free e-newsletters, and use these wonderful resources to maximize your care.
With warmest wishes,
Jeremy Geffen, MD, FACP
Posted
Mar 05 2007, 10:51 AM
by
DrJeremyGeffen