Internet use leads cancer patients to be active health care consumers

This study examines whether cancer patients' Internet use leads them to prefer a more active role in medical decision making and whether the effects of Internet use on active participation preferences vary according to patients' education levels.

Randomly drawn sample (N=2013) from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry, comprised of breast, prostate, and colon cancer patients, completed mail surveys in the fall of 2006 (overall response rate=64%). Of 2013 baseline respondents, 85% agreed to participate in follow-up survey (N=1703). Of those who agreed, 76% (N=1293) completed follow-up surveys in the fall of 2007.

Cancer patients' Internet use for health information at wave one led them to want to be more active participants in medical decision making at wave two (β=.06, p<.05). This applied to all cancer patients regardless of their education levels.

Higher levels of Internet use among cancer patients may lead patients to want to be more actively involved in medical decision making.

Considering the beneficial effects of patients' active participation in medical decision making, it will be worthwhile for health educators to recommend Internet use to cancer patients.