According to a recent Temple University study, researchers have found that  newly diagnosed cancer patients who turn to the Internet for health-related information about their cancer, have an increased positive attitude about the treatments and outcome, take an active role in decisions regarding treatment, and see their relationship with the physician as one of partnership. Those studied were broken into direct user, indirect user and non-user categories based on Internet usage patterns. Direct and indirect users tended to be females between the ages of 50 and 60, who had graduated from college, and made more than $60,000 a year. Those who used the Internet and those who received Internet information from family members or friends were more comfortable asking questions and challenging treatment alternatives.

“They saw the Internet as a powerful tool that enhanced their decision-making ability,” stated Sarah Bass, Ph.D, principal investigator of the study, “They didn’t want to feel powerless or have to rely on the doctor to make all of the decisions.” The Relationship of Internet Health Information Use: Experiences of newly diagnosed cancer patients research study is published online, available as a PDF document. Additionally, the study is published in the March 2006 issue of the Journal of Health Communication.

A cancer diagnosis is a serious diagnosis, and the correct treatment can make all the difference in surviving cancer. Typically, the physician who gives the diagnosis will go on to suggest a course of treatment for your cancer, or refer you to a specialist. But remember, before you agree to any treatment, that physicians are human, and their medical opinion, although based on years of specialized training and knowledge, is an opinion. In the event of a cancer diagnosis, it is wise to get a second opinion, and if necessary, a third opinion. You may be reluctant to tell your physician you would like a second opinion, as you do not want to offend the physician by suggesting a lack of confidence in their abilities as a physician. A good physician will welcome a second opinion, and have no problem with a patient seeking one. Here are some tips when you seek a second opinion:

• Ask your physician to recommend another physician or specialist for another opinion.
• Learn as much as you can about your condition.
• Arrange to have your medical records sent to the second physician before your visit.
• Check The American Board of Medical Specialties for a list of doctors, including information about their specialty and educational background.
  

Cancer takes time to develop into a tumor. You have time to become an informed patient about the best treatments for you.

Susan Nessim survived cancer but had difficulties being a cancer survivor. After successfully completing treatments for soft tissue sarcoma, she looked forward to going back to her old life before the cancer diagnosis. Nessim returned to college to find her friends acting standoffish and distant. Her engagement to be married ended when her future mother-in-law insisted that a woman with cancer was not a good match for her son. When Nessim and a coworker were both being considered for the same work promotion, her coworker was offered the position, before Nessim got a chance to be interviewed. Nessim would find out later that the coworker, whom she had considered a friend, revealed Nessim's personal cancer history to their employer. The subtle suggestion was made that Nessim might not be up to the demands of the increased workload of the new position.

Back in the 1970's, there were few, if any, resources or support for cancer survivors. Nessim and Lisa, another cancer survivor, decided to start a support system for cancer survivors. Cancervive offers resources, books and award-winning documentaries for survivors who cope with depression, infertility, intimacy issues, job and insurance problems, and the side effects of cancer treatment; and addresses the concerns of siblings, parents, school classmates, health professionals, and the larger society affected by cancer.

When you are diagnosed with cancer, the world becomes a smaller, gentler place. I have a theory this occurs because any interest in the trivial and all that separates us from one another falls away. The focal point of reality is reset to include only that which is meaningful -- kindness, forgiveness, compassion and love. The awareness of the interconnectedness of life becomes a continuous one. We are all on this planet together. Together we heal. 

Chemo Angels is a dedicated organization of cancer survivors and caring individuals whose lives have been touched by cancer. Each volunteer is paired up with a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy for the purpose of making the physical, emotional and mentally rigorous days of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments a little brighter. Chemo Angels send cards, cheerful notes, and small gifts of encouragement and support.  If you are a cancer patient, you are invited to sign up for a Chemo Angel. The service is provided through the postal mail, so your location is unimportant. Chemo Angels have many international patients.