Information about cancer on the internet soars.

The internet is changing the way people seek medical care and almost one in three of Australia’s five million regular net users search for health information online. According to a survey by AC Nielsen.consult, three-quarters of them ask their doctors questions based on information they have found online.

The survey shows doctors, many of whom were initially concerned that misleading information online could undermine patients’ healthcare, are now embracing the technology.

86% of specialists and 62% of GPs regularly access online medical databases, while a quarter of doctors refer patients to internet sites for more information.

“While the majority of medical practitioners do not access the internet during patients consultations, there is a growing proportion of (GPs) who do. (They) tend to be younger and from non-metro areas,” said analyst Richard Sandlant.

Another recent study, among cancer patients at Royal Prince Alfred and Concord hospitals, found patients’ relationships with their doctors improved or were unchanged as a result of their use of the internet.

Half of them said they were able to cope with their cancer better because of the information they found online.

(Source: The Cancer Council Australia & Sydney Morning Herald, 12 December 2002)

Information about cancer on web soars