In this paper, we explore the role of the internet as a resource for self-managing problems experienced by people affected by cancer. To do this, we draw on our observations of a UK online discussion forum used by people affected by cancer. We explored online contributions to the online discussion forum to identify examples of how people used the internet to seek and share information and support in the context of cancer to support their self-management of problems. Our findings show that of those registering on an online discussion forum only a minority (18%) contributed posts. Few people contributed to the online discussion forum more than five times although a minority of contributors participated numerous times. Examples of emotional and informational support exchanged in the online discussions are described. Benefits of contributing to the online discussions were noted. In conclusion, the online discussion forum can provide a useful resource for people to seek and share experiences, information and support with others in similar situations.
Barlow JH Bancroft GV Turner AP (2005) Self-management training for people with chronic disease: a shared learning experience. J Health Psychol10: 863–872.
2.
Bennenbroek FTC Buunk BP Stiegelis HE Hagedoorn M Sanderman R van den Bergh ACM (2003) Audiotaped social comparison information for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: differential effects of procedural, emotional and coping information. Psychooncology12: 567–579.
3.
Bingley A Lynch T Clark D (2006) Virtual Library Project: Report on the Public Consultation Exercise October 2005-March 2006.Macmillan Cancer Support, London.
4.
Braun V Clarke V (2006) Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qual Res Psychol3: 77–101.
5.
Cancer Research UK (2004) Cancer incidence, survival and mortality in the UK and EU CancerStats Monograph.
6.
Corner J Wright D Foster C Gunaratnam Y Hopkinson J Okamoto I (2006) The Macmillan Listening Study: Listening to the Views of People Affected by Cancer about Cancer Research.Report to Macmillan Cancer Relief, London.
7.
Corner J Wright D Hopkinson J Gunaratnam Y McDonald J Foster C (2007) The research priorities of patients attending UK cancer treatment centres: findings from a modified nominal group study. Br J Cancer96: 875–881.
8.
Davison KP Pennebaker JW Dickerson SS (2000) Who talks? The social psychology of illness support groups. Am Psychol55: 205–217.
9.
Eriksson E Lauri S (2000) Informaitonal and emotional support for cancer patients’ relatives. Eur J Cancer9: 8–15.
10.
Eysenbach G (2003) The impact of the Internet on cancer outcomes. CA Cancer J Clin53: 356–371.
11.
Eysenbach G Powell J Englesakis M Rizo C Stern A (2004) Health related virtual communities and electronic support groups: systematic review of the effects of online peer to peer interactions. BMJ328: 1166.
12.
Fallowfield LJ Baum M Maguire GP (1986) Effects of breast conservation on psychological morbidity associated with diagnosis and treatment of early breast cancer. Eur J Cancer Care9: 238–242.
13.
Foster C Hopkinson J Hill H Wright D (2005) Supporting Self Management of People Affected by Cancer: A Review of the Evidence.Macmillan Cancer Support, London.
14.
Gackenbach J (1998) Psychology and the Internet: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Implications.Academic Press, New York.
15.
Gray R Fitch M Davis C Phillips C (1997) A qualitative study of breast cancer self-help groups. Psychooncology6: 279–289.
16.
Gruman J Von Korff M (1996) Indexed Bibliography on Self Management for People with Chronic Disease.Washington DC: Center for Advancement in Health.
17.
Helgeson VS Cohen S (1996) Social support and adjustment to cancer: Reconciling descriptive, correlational, and intervention research. Health Psychology15: 135–148.
18.
Hoybye MT Johansen C Tjornhoj-Thomsen T (2005) Online interaction. Effects of storytelling in an internet breast cancer support group. Psychooncology14: 211–220.
19.
Joinson A (1998) Disinhibited internet behaviour: causes and implications. In: J Gackenbach (ed), Psychology and the Internet: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Implications.Academic Press, New York. pp. 43–60.
20.
Jones R Pearson J McGregor S Gilmour WH Atkinson JM Barrett A (1999) Cross sectional survey of patients’ satisfaction with information about cancer. Br Med J319: 1247–1248.
21.
King LA (2002) Gain without pain? Expressive writing and self-regulation. In: SSJM Lepore (ed), The Writing Cure: How Expressive Writing Promotes Health and Emotional Well-being.Washington DC: APA, pp. 119–134.
22.
King SA Moreggi D (1998) Internet therapy and self-help groups - the pros and cons. In: J Gackenbach (ed), Psychology and the Internet: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Implications.Academic Press, New York. pp. 77–109.
23.
Klein K (2002) Stress, expressive writing, and working memory In: SJE Lepore JM Smyth , The Writing Cure: How Expressive Writing Promotes Health and Emotional Well-being.American Psychological Association, Washington.
24.
Kristjanson LJ Ashcroft T (1994) The family's cancer journey: a literature review. Cancer Nurs17: 1–17.
25.
Lieberman MA Russo S (2002) Self help groups and the internet: breast cancer newsgroups. Int J Self Help Self Care1: 323–344.
26.
Lorig KR Holman HR (2003) Self-management education: history, definition, outcomes and mechanisms. Ann Behav Med26: 1–7.
27.
Lorig KR Sobel DS Ritter PL Laurent D Hobbs M (2001) Effect of a self-management program on patients with chronic disease. Eff Clin Pract4: 256–262.
28.
Luker KA Beaver K Leinster SJ Owens RG (1996) Information needs and sources of information for women with breast cancer: a follow-up study. J Adv Nurs23: 487–495.
29.
Mann C Stewart F (2000) Internet Communication and Qualitative Research.London: Sage.
30.
Manning DL Dickens C (2007) Cancer information and support centres: fixing parts cancer drugs cannot reach. Eur J Cancer Care16: 33–38.
31.
McCorkle R Hughes L Robinson L Levine B Nuamah I (1998) Nursing interventions for newly diagnosed older cancer patients facing terminal illness. J Palliat Care14: 39–45.
32.
Meier A Lyons JE Frydman G Forlenza M Rimer KB (2007) How cancer survivors provide support on cancer-related internet mailing lists. J Med Internet Res9: e12.
33.
Rees CE Bath PA (2000) The information needs and source preferences of women with breast cancer and their family members: a review of the literature published between 1988 and 1998. J Adv Nurs31: 833–841.
34.
Sandaunet AG (2008) The challenge of fitting in: non-participation and withdrawal from an online self-help group for breast cancer patients. Sociol Health Illn30: 131–144.
35.
Stanton AL Danhoff-Burg S (2002) Emotional expression, expressive writing and cancer. In: SSJM Lepore (ed), The Writing Cure: How Expressice Writing Promotes Health and Emotional Well-Being.Washington DC: American Psychological Association, pp. 31–47.
36.
van Uden-Kraan CF Drossaert CHC Taal E Shaw BR Seydel ER van de Laar MAFJ (2008) Empowering processes and outcomes of participation in online support groups for patients with breast cancer, arthritis, or fibromyalgia. Qual Health Res18: 405–417.
37.
Zahlis EH Shands ME (1991) Breast cancer: demands of illness on the patient’s partner. J Psychosoc Oncol9: 75–93.
38.
Zaza C Baine N (2002) Cancer pain and psychosocial factors: a critical review of the literature. J Pain Symptom Manage24: 526–542.
39.
Ziebland S Chapple A Dumelow C Evans J Prinjha S Rozmovits L (2004) How the internet affects patients’ experience of cancer: a qualitative study. BMJ328: 564.
