2010-12-12-皮尤-Cancer_2.0_8页_239kb

Cancer 2.0: Recent Research Summary

The document summarizes Pew Research Center's analysis of internet use and online engagement among cancer patients and those living with chronic diseases, highlighting its impact on health care.

Most US adults (75%) have internet access, but only 62% of chronic disease patients use it online, compared to 81% of healthy adults. While broadband and mobile internet are growing, facilitating portable and participatory health information, digital divides persist, especially among age groups.

Cancer patients show high engagement in their care, actively seeking information and self-managing. However, they typically rely heavily on health professionals (93%) for specific medical advice, while peers provide emotional support and quick remedies. Online activities, such as blogging and health discussions, are more common among online chronic disease patients, fostering peer-to-peer learning and user-generated content.

The internet serves as a robust social hub for health information, with 8 in 10 users searching for health topics. Cases like the Life Raft Group demonstrate how patient-led online movements influenced clinical trials and drug approvals, such as Gleevec. This model promotes participatory medicine, linking technology with evidence-based practices.

Key questions raised include how to expand scientific collaboration with patient organizations, ensure education and discovery through online engagement, and address issues like drug costs using social networks.

Cancer 2.0 highlights ongoing trends: the convergence of chronic disease increases, broadening access to digital tools, which drivers engagement and improved health outcomes.