Head and Neck Cancer Online Support Groups: Disparities in Participation and Impact on Patients

To characterize the users of the head and neck cancer (HNC) online support group (OSG) and describe the perceived benefits of membership.

Cross-sectional.

Online.

An administered survey with questions asking about demographics, cancer history, treatment choices, and feelings about OSGs was posted on the 5 largest HNC OSGs on Facebook.

A total of 97 participants completed the survey. Mean age was 57.8 years old (standard deviation = 10.7 years). Most participants were female (50.5%) and Caucasian (92.8%). This cohort was well educated with 65.5% holding at least a college degree. Annual income was high with 41.8% reporting annual income of $100,000 or greater. The most common treatment modality was radiation (88.7%). The most common surgery was neck dissection (46.4%). Most participants preferred OSGs (70.8%) over other support group types. OSGs were heavily utilized with our cohort reporting using the OSG at least several times a week (80.0%). The top reasons for joining the OSG were sharing one's experience of HNC (76.3%) and gaining support from others with HNC (85.6%). OSGs were ranked as the #3 source of medical information for HNC behind otolaryngologists and oncologists. Membership in a HNC OSG had a minimal impact on decision-making.

HNC OSGs appear to provide a beneficial community for HNC patients. Otolaryngologists should consider incorporating HNC OSG as a possible supplemental resource for their HNC patients.