Abstract

This article reports on the literature associated with Internet use by breast cancer patients. Reviewing the literature indicates that breast cancer patients can use the Internet as a source of information, social support, shared experience, empowerment, positive role models, professional support and patient advocacy. Also, studies reveal that a number of factors such as patients’ personal characteristics, computer competence, computer access, attitudes of patients toward Internet and trust influence patients’ decisions to use Internet to get cancer related information. It is suggested that health care providers should help patients to understand the role of Internet in their health care. Furthermore, they should encourage them to learn and use a credentialed website that is comprehensive and regularly updated by objective and unbiased experts to assist them in coping with their disease.

Key words: Internet use, breast cancer, psychological factors, social factors, knowledge, skill, access, attitude toward internet, culture, trust.