title: The Internet: a modern Pandora's box?
abstract: Two different views of the Internet are presented. One is from the perspective of an author who has written a personal account of her own breast cancer experience, while the other is from the perspective of a cancer researcher who is interested in quality of life research. The article is written in a format that reflects the somewhat informal style of messages sent to Internet discussion groups. For better or worse, the Internet has arrived as a force in our lives, and medical information and support constitute two of its more important uses. Both authors agree that the novel medium of the Internet provides a unique opportunity to create a true partnership of health care providers and consumers.
authors.affiliation: Division of Epidemiology and Statistics, Ontario Cancer Institute, Toronto.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mayer
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Till
mesh_terms: D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D006296:Health Services; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012106:Research; D012944:Social Support