More than 12.5 million health-related searches are conducted on the Internet each day. More than 2.3 million people dealing with cancer are online and searching for answers, and about 20% of people use the Internet through family and friends. However, the exact number of people with cancer cannot be determined. As cancer is widespread in developed countries, and people generally have better Internet access, the assumption of 20% of sufferers are Internet users, may actually be an underestimation.
For people with cancer, e-mail communication is important for staying in touch with friends and family. Email is rated the top item for the reason why people go online. An astounding 31 billion e-mail messages are exchanged daily worldwide. However, as 40% of all e-mail messages exchanged are spam, and relate to health items such as breast augmentation, penis enlargement, weight loss, and Viagra. However, sending emails is not as effective as other forms of communication, where questions can be answered immediately.
There is opportunity to improve email communication between cancer sufferers. Sufferers are expected to have all the current social networking functionality such as making friends, uploading photos and videos, writing on walls, e-mail, live chat one-to-one or in groups, and comment on blogs written. These forms of communication may help patients ask questions, facilitate understanding and shared decision-making, and reduce unnecessary appointments.
Online health communities or electronic support groups have emerged when enough people have registered to sustain public discussions, on a related topic. Information exchanged in communities, show 80% of information giving or seeking personal opinions, encouragement, support, and personal experiences, and 20% prayers. Women are engaging in supportive messages more frequently than men, who used the electronic community primarily for information exchange.
The various types of social networking such as e-mail, blogs and chat-rooms can increase social isolation and decreased mental and psychological wellbeing. Heavy Internet use can be associated with increases in loneliness and depression and tended to increase stress. However, people found within online communities seek for comfort and support from others found within the communities.
For people with cancer, e-mail communication is important for staying in touch with friends and family. Email is rated the top item for the reason why people go online. An astounding 31 billion e-mail messages are exchanged daily worldwide. However, as 40% of all e-mail messages exchanged are spam, and relate to health items such as breast augmentation, penis enlargement, weight loss, and Viagra. However, sending emails is not as effective as other forms of communication, where questions can be answered immediately.
There is opportunity to improve email communication between cancer sufferers. Sufferers are expected to have all the current social networking functionality such as making friends, uploading photos and videos, writing on walls, e-mail, live chat one-to-one or in groups, and comment on blogs written. These forms of communication may help patients ask questions, facilitate understanding and shared decision-making, and reduce unnecessary appointments.
Online health communities or electronic support groups have emerged when enough people have registered to sustain public discussions, on a related topic. Information exchanged in communities, show 80% of information giving or seeking personal opinions, encouragement, support, and personal experiences, and 20% prayers. Women are engaging in supportive messages more frequently than men, who used the electronic community primarily for information exchange.
The various types of social networking such as e-mail, blogs and chat-rooms can increase social isolation and decreased mental and psychological wellbeing. Heavy Internet use can be associated with increases in loneliness and depression and tended to increase stress. However, people found within online communities seek for comfort and support from others found within the communities.