Information Gathering Over Time by Breast Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Melisa J Satterlund, Kevin D McCaul, Ann K Sandgren
Primary Institution: North Dakota State University
Hypothesis
To identify where breast cancer patients find medical information about their illness and to track changes over time, from active treatment to survivorship status.
Conclusion
The Internet continues to play an important role for cancer survivors after medical treatment has ended.
Supporting Evidence
- 44% of women reported using the Internet after diagnosis.
- Internet use dropped slightly from 49% to 40% at follow-up.
- Younger age and more years of education were significant predictors of Internet use.
Takeaway
Women with breast cancer often use the Internet to find information about their illness, and this use continues even after treatment.
Methodology
Participants were 224 women recently diagnosed with Stage I, II, or III breast cancer, interviewed at 8 and 16 months post-diagnosis about their information sources.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reporting and reliance on long-term memory.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported data and retrospective recall, which may affect accuracy.
Participant Demographics
Most participants were married (77%) and Caucasian (96%), aged 30 to 84 (mean = 54.5).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI not specified
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website