STUDY: ONLINE SUPPORT HELPS BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

STUDY: ONLINE SUPPORT HELPS BREAST CANCER PATIENTS     

A study from the Danish Cancer Society found that participating in online support groups can help breast cancer patients ease the feelings of social isolation that come with having the disease, according to Women's Health Weekly. Researchers observed and interviewed 15 women with breast cancer who chose the Internet as a way to relieve the feelings of isolation. The women were empowered by their online interactions and exchange of knowledge with other patients and the researchers concluded that the Internet may be an important tool for breast cancer patients' recovery. The study was published in the March issue of Psycho-Oncology. AstraZeneca (AZ) is at the helm of the "Redefining Hope and Beauty" campaign and Web site, an international effort to fight breast cancer (ePharm5, 12/16/04).