Finding answers online: Comprehensiveness and accuracy in online information about breast cancer

Background/Significance: The Internet has become a major source of health information for U.S. adults, with more than 70% of women who use the medium engaging in health information seeking, according to recent research. Due to widespread concern about the disease,, breast cancer is likely a topic of particular interest to female online health information seekers.

Previous research has shown that individuals' use of the Web for health information may be correlated with some environmental constraints, including living in medically underserved areas. Women who rely more heavily on online health information risk of falling into a health gap if the information they find is inaccurate or not comprehensive.

Objective/Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the types and accuracy of breast cancer information an online information seeker would likely find in a typical search.

Methods: Four Google searches were performed using the terms breast cancer, breast cancer prevention, breast cancer treatment, and breast cancer cure. Pages linked from unique URLs within the first page of results for each search were analyzed, for a total of about 135 pages. The pages then were reviewed for breast cancer information, using coding instruments developed in conjunction with a panel of breast cancer experts.

Results and Discussion: Results will show the frequency and accuracy with which certain breast cancer topics were covered in the Web pages. Early data revealed that women searching for breast cancer prevention information would be relatively unlikely to find accurate, comprehensive information that might help them reduce their risks.