scholarly journals Caught in the net: Characterizing how testicular cancer patients use the internet as an information source

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Yeo ◽  
Bernhard Eigl ◽  
Sherry Chan ◽  
Christian Kollmannsberger ◽  
Paris-Ann Ingledew
Keyword(s):  
Testicular Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Treatment Decision ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Information ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Healthcare Information

Introduction: Over 70% of Canadians who use the internet search for healthcare information online. This is especially true regarding the young adult population. Testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men aged 15–29. This study characterizes how testicular cancer patients access healthcare information online, and how this influences their clinical encounters and treatment decisions. Methods: From June 2018 to January 2019, a survey consisting of 24 open and close-ended questions was distributed to testicular cancer patients at a tertiary cancer center. Survey results were evaluated using mixed methods analysis. Results: Fifty-nine surveys were distributed, and 44 responses were received. All respondents used the internet regularly and 82% used the internet as a source of information regarding their cancer. The majority followed top hits from Google when selecting websites to view. Frequent topics searched included treatment details and survivorship concerns. Eighty-nine percent of users found online information easy to understand and 94% found it increased their understanding. For 47% of users, the internet did not influence their clinical consultation nor their treatment decision (53%). Conclusions: Most testicular cancer patients in this study are regular internet users and use the internet to search for testicular cancer information. Healthcare providers should recognize this and can play important roles in discussing online findings with patients to assess their background knowledge and expectations, as well as providing guidance on selecting credible online resources. The results of this study can be used to improve patient-physician communication and education.

scholarly journals The extent to which cancer patients trust in cancer-related online information: a systematic review

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas Lange ◽  
Mona Leandra Peikert ◽  
Christiane Bleich ◽  
Holger Schulz
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Cancer Information ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Related Information

Background The use of the internet to satisfy information needs is widespread among cancer patients. Patients’ decisions regarding whether to act upon the information they find strongly depend on the trustworthiness of the information and the medium. Patients who are younger, more highly educated and female are more likely to trust online information. The objectives of this systematic review were to examine the extent to which cancer patients trust in cancer-related online information, internet websites as a source of cancer-related information or the internet as a medium of cancer information. Methods A systematic review was conducted using five databases (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017070190). Studies of any kind were included if they measured cancer patients’ trust in online health information. Study quality was assessed using the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) item bank. A narrative synthesis was undertaken to examine the included studies. Results Of the 7,314 citations obtained by the search, seven cross-sectional studies were included in the synthesis. A total of 1,054 patients reported having some or a great deal of trust in online cancer information; 154 patients reported moderately trusting such information; and 833 patients reported having no or little trust in online cancer information, internet websites as a source of cancer-related information or the internet as a medium of cancer-related information. Two of the seven studies reported between group comparisons for the above-stated patient characteristics. The methodological quality of the included studies was diverse. Conclusion The results of the included studies indicates that approximately half of cancer patients appear to trust cancer-specific online information, internet websites as a source of cancer-related information or the internet as an information medium. However, the small number of included studies, high heterogeneity of participants, methods and outcomes calls for further systematic research. It is important to understand that cancer patients do and will increasingly use trusted cancer information websites to search for information concerning their disease. Therefore, physicians and other health care providers should provide more support and advice to these patients.

Influences of eHealth literacy on obtaining knowledge about colorectal cancer among Internet users accessing a reputable cancer website (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seigo Mitsutake ◽  
Ai Shibata ◽  
Kaori Ishii ◽  
Rina Miyawaki ◽  
Koichiro Oka
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Information Service ◽  
Internet Survey ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Information ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Internet Users

BACKGROUND To develop websites that enhance Internet users’ health knowledge, it is important to identify relevant factors associated with obtaining health knowledge via the Internet. Although an association between eHealth literacy (eHL) and knowledge of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been reported, little is known whether eHL is associated with obtaining knowledge of CRC via the Internet. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the results obtained from Internet users with high or low eHL in searching and using a reputable cancer website to gain CRC knowledge. METHODS This study used respondents to Internet based pre-and post-surveys conducted in 2012. Potential respondents (n = 3,307) were identified from registered individuals aged 40–59 years (n = 461,160) in a Japanese Internet survey company. A total of 1,069 participants responded (response rate: 32.3%), and these pre-survey responders were then divided into high or low eHL groups using the Japanese eHealth Literacy Scale median score (23.5 points). From each group, 130 randomly selected individuals were invited to review the contents of a reputable CRC website, the Cancer Information Service managed by the National Cancer Center, and to respond to a post-survey via e-mail; responses were obtained from 107 individuals from each group. Twenty responses to knowledge statements regarding the definition, risk factors, screening prevention and symptoms of CRC were obtained at pre- and post-surveys, and differences in the correct responses between high and low eHL groups compared using the McNemar test. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 49.1 (5.5) years. Four statements showed a significant increase in correct responses in both eHL groups pre- and post-survey: “S4. The risk of CRC is greater as a person gets older” (high eHL: P = 0.039, low eHL: P = 0.012), “S8. Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for CRC” (high eHL: P < 0.001, low eHL: P = 0.020), “S11. Obesity is a risk factor for CRC” (high eHL: P = 0.030, low eHL: P = 0.047), and “S12. Excess alcohol consumption is a risk factor for CRC” (high eHL: P = 0.002, low eHL: P = 0.003). Three statements showed a statistically significant increase in correct responses in the high eHL group only: “S1. CRC is cancer of the colon or rectum” (P = 0.003), “S5. The risk of CRC is the same between men and women” (P = 0.041), and “S9. Red meat intake is a risk factor for CRC” (P = 0.002), whereas only one response did in the low eHL group: “S17. Bloody stools are a symptom of CRC” (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Low eHL Internet users appeared less capable of obtaining knowledge of CRC through searching and understanding information from a reputable cancer website than high eHL Internet users.

Information behaviour and decision-making in patients during their cancer journey

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 494-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shih-Chuan Chen
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Alternative Therapy ◽  
Treatment Decision ◽  
Treatment Method ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Treatment Decision Making

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the effect of cancer patients’ information behaviour on their decision-making at the diagnosis and treatment stages of their cancer journey. Patients’ information sources and their decision-making approaches were analyzed. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants. Findings The cancer patients sought information from various sources in choosing a hospital, physician, treatment method, diet and alternative therapy. Physicians were the primary information source. The patients’ approaches to treatment decision-making were diverse. An informed approach was adopted by nine patients, a paternalistic approach by four and a shared decision-making approach by only two. Practical implications In practice, the findings may assist hospitals and medical professionals in fostering pertinent interactions with patients. Originality/value The findings can enhance researcher understanding regarding the effect of cancer patients’ information behaviour on their decision-making.

scholarly journals Quality Assessment of Online Complementary and Alternative Medicine Information Resources Relevant to Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 153473542110660
Author(s):  
Megan E. Sansevere ◽  
Jeffrey D. White
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is often used by cancer patients and survivors in the US. Many people turn to the internet as their first source of information. Health information seeking through the internet can be useful for patients to gain a better understanding of specific CAM treatments to discuss with their healthcare team, but only if the information is comprehensive, high quality, and reliable. The aim of this article is to examine the content, writing/vetting processes, and visibility of cancer CAM online informational resources. Methods: Online CAM resources were identified by Google and PubMed searches, literature reviews, and through sources listed on various websites. The websites were analyzed through a modified online health information evaluation tool, DISCERN (score range = 1-5). The website’s features relevant to the quality assessment were described. Results: Eleven CAM websites were chosen for analysis. The DISCERN analysis showed a range of quality scores from 3.6 to 4.9. Lower DISCERN scores were generally due to deficiencies in describing the writing, editing, and updating processes. A lack of transparency with authorship and references was commonly present. Conclusion: Cancer patients interested in CAM need unbiased, evidence-based, reliable, high-quality, easily accessible educational materials. Individuals should use the guidelines followed in this analysis (including DISCERN and Medline Plus) to find reliable sources. Website developers can use CAM Cancer (NAFKAM), Beyond Conventional Cancer Therapies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, breastcancer.org , Office of Dietary Supplements, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, and Cancer.gov as models for trustworthy content.

Facilitating patient communication through understanding their social media use: A comparison by age groups.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 71-71
Author(s):  
Shayan Kassirian ◽  
Lawson Eng ◽  
Chelsea Paulo ◽  
Ilana Geist ◽  
Alexander Magony ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Education ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Patient Communication ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Cancer Information ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Social Media

71 Background: Social media and internet is increasingly used by patients for cancer education, which can affect provider-patient communication. Usage habits of the adolescent-young adult (AYA; aged < 40 years), adult (age 40- < 65 years), and geriatric cancer populations (age 65+ years) are likely different. Methods: Using age-specific sampling, cancer patients across all disease sites cross-sectionally were asked to complete a survey of demographics, health status, and social media/online resource use for cancer education. Clinical information was abstracted. Results: Of 429 approached, 320 participated (126 AYA, 128 adults, 66 elderly). Males comprised 44%; 72% had post-secondary education; 31% had household incomes of > $100,000. Elderly patients were most likely to refuse participation (33% of elderly approached vs 16% AYA; p < 0.001), with the most common reason being "I do not use internet resources/don't plan on using them"(96% of all elderly refusals with available data). Among respondents, the proportion who utilized the internet for cancer education was 76%, 76% and 70% in AYA, adults, and elderly, respectively (p > 0.5). The use of social media tools in respondents was 49%, 40%, and 36%, respectively (p = 0.16 across age groups). While 75% of patients felt they could judge the quality of cancer-related information on the internet (no differences by age group, p > 0.5), a significantly lower 43% (p < 0.001) felt similarly confident to judge the quality of social media; AYA patients (49%) were numerically more likely to feel confident than seniors (36%; p = 0.16). Elderly were less likely to want online health record access (p = 0.015), treatment option (p = 0.042) and side effect education (p < 0.001), future care plan (p < 0.001) and wellness programs compared to others (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although cancer patients used social media frequently, confidence is lacking on the quality of cancer information obtained (across all age groups), while elderly perceive fewer benefits of using online/social media related to their cancer. Guidelines for patients on how to assess quality and appropriately use social media could help facilitate patient-provider communication.

A study of cancer information for cancer patients on the internet

2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 440-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomohiro Morita ◽  
Hiroto Narimatsu ◽  
Tomoko Matsumura ◽  
Yuko Kodama ◽  
Akiko Hori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Information ◽  
The Internet

Use of the Internet to Obtain Cancer Information Among Cancer Patients at an Urban County Hospital

2005 ◽  
Vol 23 (22) ◽  
pp. 4954-4962 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul R. Helft ◽  
Rachael E. Eckles ◽  
Cynthia Stair Johnson-Calley ◽  
Christopher K. Daugherty
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Internet Access ◽  
County Hospital ◽  
Cancer Information ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Internet Information ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Barriers To Use

Purpose To evaluate rates, predictors, and barriers to use of the Internet to obtain cancer information among a cohort of cancer patients at an urban county hospital. Patients and Methods Of 208 cancer patients approached, 200 patients completed a structured interview study examining Internet use, perceptions of the accuracy of Internet information, and barriers to use. Results Only 10% of participants reported using the Internet themselves to obtain cancer information. Another 21% reported exposure to Internet information through proxies. The most common barrier to Internet use cited was lack of Internet access, with 44% reporting that they would use the Internet to obtain cancer information if they had Internet access. Younger age and more years of formal education were significantly associated with Internet use, although race and income were not. Less education, African American race, and female sex were associated with lower estimates of the accuracy of Internet information. Fewer years of formal education was associated with increased likelihood of reporting confusion after reading Internet information. Conclusion Very few cancer patients in this study of a cohort of generally disadvantaged individuals used the Internet themselves to obtain cancer information, although many more desired to do so. Significant opportunities for Web-based interventions aimed at improving cancer care outcomes in this population of cancer patients exist. However, further study will be needed to determine how to make such intervention accessible, trustworthy, and understandable to the disadvantaged.

scholarly journals Looking Beyond the Internet: Examining Socioeconomic Inequalities in Cancer Information Seeking Among Cancer Patients

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 806-817 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chul-joo Lee ◽  
A. Susana Ramírez ◽  
Nehama Lewis ◽  
Stacy W. Gray ◽  
Robert C. Hornik
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Socioeconomic Inequalities ◽  
Cancer Information ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cancer Information Seeking

scholarly journals Web-Based Medical Information Searching by Chinese Patients With Breast Cancer and its Influence on Survival: Observational Study

10.2196/16768 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. e16768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Li ◽  
Shan Ye ◽  
Yidong Zhou ◽  
Feng Mao ◽  
Hailing Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Chinese Patients ◽  
Cancer Information ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Information Searching ◽  
Web Based

Background The internet allows patients to easily look for health information. However, how Chinese patients with breast cancer use the internet has rarely been investigated, and there is a scarcity of information about the influence of internet use on survival. Objective This observational study aimed to investigate the details of online medical information searching by Chinese patients with breast cancer and to determine whether internet use has any survival benefits. Methods Patients who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2014 and December 2015 were enrolled. We obtained information on their internet-searching behavior and gathered data from the patients’ medical and follow-up records. The associations between internet use and other clinic-pathological factors were analyzed. A Cox proportional-hazards model and the Kaplan-Meier method were used for disease-free survival (DFS) analyses. Results A total of 973 patients with invasive breast cancer who underwent definitive surgery took part in the study. Among them, 477 cases (49.0%) performed web-based breast cancer information searching before the initial treatment. A multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that web-based breast cancer information searching was significantly associated with younger age (odds ratio [OR] 0.95, 95% CI 0.94-0.97, P<.001), higher education level (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.01–1.86, P=.04), and breast conserving surgery (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.04-1.77, P=.03). Baidu (73.4%, 350/477) and WeChat (66.7%, 318/477) were the two most popular online information sources for breast cancer; however, only 44.9% (214/477) felt satisfied with the online information. In contrast to the nonweb searching group, the web-using patients who were satisfied with online information showed significantly improved DFS (hazard ratio 0.26; 95% CI 0.08-0.88, P=.03). Conclusions The patients who were most likely to search the internet for breast cancer information were younger and well-educated, and they were more likely to have breast conserving therapy. Web-using patients who were satisfied with the internet information showed significantly improved DFS. Patients should browse credible websites offering accurate and updated information, and website developers should provide high-quality and easy-to-understand information to better meet the needs of patients with breast cancer.

Cervical cancer patients’ preferences and use of various cancer information sources in South Korea

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 16073-16073
Author(s):  
H. Noh ◽  
M. Lee ◽  
Y. Yun ◽  
S. Park ◽  
D. Bae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Information ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Institutional Review ◽  
Personal Accounts

16073 Background: Accessing appropriate facts is important in enabling cancer patients cope with the disease. This study focused on the utilization and preferences of cancer information sources by cervical cancer patients in terms of ease in receiving and searching the available data. Methods: The study included 830 women over the age of 18 years treated for cervical cancer at six hospitals in South Korea between 1983 and 2004. All the participants provided written informed consent, and the Institutional Review Board of the National Cancer Center approved the protocol. A questionnaire addressed the patients’ use of and preferences for sources and forms of cancer information. Data were collected by mail. Results: Television and/or the radio were the the most frequently cited sources of cancer information by the middle and oldest age groups: 45–64 years (52.0%), =65 years (47.3%), while patients in the youngest age group (<45 years) used the Internet (38.8%). Booklets and/or pamphlets (24.0%) were the source of cancer information preferred by the youngest age group, while patients in the middle and oldest age groups preferred TV/radio: 45–64 years (35.7%) and =65 years (55.0%). Life notes and/or experiences (43.2%), that is, personal accounts, comprised the most easily understood form of information regardless of age group. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that cervical cancer patients’ utilization of and preferences for sources of cancer information vary according to patient age. Tailored educational materials that consider the users’ age and condition should be customized to best fit their specific preferences. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

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