title: Internet use by cancer patients: should oncologists 'prescribe' accurate web sites in combination with chemotherapy? A survey in a Spanish cohort.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cancer patients search for information about prognosis and treatment. Internet has become a major source of medical information. Its impact on oncology patients is not well known.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three hundred and eighty questionnaires were distributed to cancer patients and companions and 293 were returned. The type of information they obtained online, its usefulness, and its impact on the patient-physician relationship as well as other sources of searching were demanded. Student t-tests, chi-square tests, and multivariate regression logistic analysis were carried out.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Internet use was low (27% patients, 58% relatives). Cancer-specific information was the principal research (41% and 70%). For 61% patients, the information had been useful. Information provided by clinicians was the primary reason to not use Internet (37% and 67%). Twenty-two percent patients discussed it with clinicians. Among other sources, health professional (62% and 51%) and printed materials (18% and 25%) were the most demanded.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cancer patients and carers reported a low use of the Internet for searching medical information, although it helps patients to better cope with cancer. To discuss this information may strengthen the patient-physician relationship. Physicians should ensure that their patients receive reliable online information.
authors: Medical Oncology Department, Infanta Sofía University Hospital, San Sebastián de los Reyes, Madrid, Spain. miriam.lopez@telefonica.net
authors: M
authors: M
authors: López-Gómez
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Ortega
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Suárez
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Serralta
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Madero
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Gómez-Raposo
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Sereno
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Casado
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Espinosa
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Lobo
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Feliu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015331:Cohort Studies; D054626:Consumer Health Information; D004346:Drug Information Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D055656:Prescriptions; D012424:Rural Population; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult