Online cancer services: Types of services offered and associated health outcomes

Abstract

There are advantages and disadvantages associated with utilization of online health services among individuals living with cancer. Accessing accurate, reliable health-related information online gives patients the power to enhance their understanding of information they obtain from their health care providers. However, online health information can often be confusing for patients to interpret, and it can sometimes be conflicting or incorrect. Based on a framework by Eysenbach, the following paper discusses various types of cancer services that are available online, and it addresses both positive and negative health outcomes that have been linked to utilizing such services.