Internet use and preferences among women living with advanced breast cancer

Breast J. 2019 Mar;25(2):290-295. doi: 10.1111/tbj.13203. Epub 2019 Feb 21.

Abstract

Despite high distress and unmet informational and psychosocial needs, and recommendations for development of advanced breast cancer (ABC)-specific resources, there remains a paucity of appropriate, accessible psychological interventions. This survey study examined internet use and preferences of women with ABC, to gauge feasibility of providing an ABC-specific internet intervention. Most participants (83%) used the internet daily. Results indicated most women with ABC would find an ABC-specific internet intervention helpful, and that it would address gaps in current internet resources, including provision of strategies to manage treatment side-effects and fear of cancer progression.

Keywords: advanced breast cancer; e-Health intervention; information and support needs; internet use.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Australia
  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Middle Aged
  • Self-Help Groups
  • Stress, Psychological