An Evaluation of the Usage of Internet Resources by Patients with Lung Cancer

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality. Meanwhile, the Internet remains a remarkably popular source of health information. This study characterizes how patients with lung cancer utilize online resources including social media and examines how this online health information-seeking behaviour (HISB) influences their healthcare journeys. From September 2022 to August 2023, a survey of 38 open- and close-ended questions was distributed to patients with lung cancer at a tertiary cancer centre. Quantitative data was analyzed with descriptive statistics, and qualitative data was evaluated using a grounded-theory approach. A total of 74 surveys were distributed, with 54 responses. Eighty-nine percent of respondents reported online HISB. Of this subgroup, only 29% searched social media for health information, and 77% used a search engine. Eighty-nine percent of the search engine users utilized Google, selecting top hits (57%) and/or websites from sources they considered reputable (57%). Participants who did not use search engines directly accessed websites recommended by trusted sources such as physicians, friends, and family. Treatment was the most frequently sought topic (70%). While most respondents engaging in online HISB considered the Internet to be useful (79%), less than half found it influential for their treatment decisions (45%). Most respondents in this study searched the Internet for lung cancer information. Our data highlights the Internet as complementary to clinical discussions with trusted medical professionals. Physicians should recognize the widespread adoption of online HISB, guide patients to evaluate the credibility of online health information, and contextualize it within the patients' unique healthcare journey.