title: Improving access to information and support for patients with less common cancers: hematologic cancer patients' views about Web-based approaches.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Meeting the psychosocial needs of vulnerable groups such as cancer survivors remains an ongoing challenge. This is particularly so for those who have less access to the usual forms of medical specialist and in-person support networks. Internet-based approaches offer an opportunity to better meet patients' information and support needs by overcoming the barrier of geographic isolation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to assess the reported level of access to the Internet, preferred sources of information, and preferred sources of support among survivors of hematologic cancers.
  
  
  METHODS
  A population-based, Australian state cancer registry invited eligible survivors to complete a survey about psychosocial needs, including items measuring Internet access and patterns of use. Of the 732 eligible survivors invited to participate, 268 (36.6%) completed and returned the pen-and-paper-based survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of participants (186/254, 73.2%) reported a high level of access to the Internet, with higher Internet access associated with a higher level of education, larger household, younger age, and being married or employed. A total of 62.2% (156/251) of survivors indicated they were likely to use the Internet for accessing information, with the percentage much lower (69/251, 28%) for accessing support via the Internet. Likelihood of using the Internet for support was associated with feeling anxious and being employed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While the Internet appears to offer promise in increasing equitable access to information and support for cancer survivors for both metropolitan and regional areas, it is viewed less favorably for support and by particular subgroups (eg, older people and those without a university degree) within the survivor population. Promoting greater understanding of this mode of support may be required to achieve its potential. Information and support options other than Web-based approaches may continue to be needed by vulnerable groups of cancer survivors.
authors.affiliation: Health Behaviour Research Group, Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, Hunter Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia. chris.paul@newcastle.edu.au
authors.forename: Christine Louise
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.forename: Mariko Leanne
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Carey
authors.forename: Alix Edna
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Marita Clare
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Lynagh
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Sanson-Fisher
authors.forename: Frans Alexander
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Henskens
mesh_terms: D022126:Access to Information; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology