The Use of Chinese-language Internet Information about Cancer by Chinese Health Consumers

Abstract: We investigated the use of Chinese-language Internet information about cancer by Chinese health consumers, and its impact on their cancer care. We applied a grounded theory approach and undertook semi-structured interviews with 20 participants in China to learn their experience of using the Internet for cancer information as a patient or a family member. Thematic analysis of the interview data identified three key themes: (1) information needs evolve during the treatment journey; (2) Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and adverse effects of treatment are the topics of greatest interest; and (3) most participants have encountered Internet health information with questionable quality. These findings suggest that although the Internet has great potential to empower Chinese cancer patients and their family through cancer care journey, the information quality issues, cultural considerations and current health care paradigm constrain this potential. Further research is needed to address these issues in improving cancer care in China.