Breast cancer in the information age: a review of recent developments

Between 50 and 100 million Americans have used the Internet to obtain health information. Breast cancer is one of the most common diagnoses sought online, and breast oncologists are likely to encounter more and more patients who have used the Internet. The effects that this is having on patients and on the clinical encounter in oncology are unclear. Here, the author reviews recent research about the growing importance of online health information and the small amount of literature on breast cancer and the Internet. Other recent developments, such as efforts to recruit patients to clinical trials via the Internet and online support groups for cancer patients, also are reviewed. Finally, the author offers his views on how best to manage patients' growing interest in Internet information.