Characteristics of older women with breast cancer who use the internet

Objective: Older women with breast cancer are increasingly using the Internet .The Breast Cancer Internet Information and Support Study (BCIIS) examined women survivors. In this substudy, we examined demographic and outcome measures of older BCIIS participants. Methodology: We compared younger women with breast cancer (age < 65, n = 399) and older women, (≥65. n =23), using data from the 2008 Breast Cancer Internet Information and Support Study (BCIIS). Demographic and outcome measures were examined. Findings: Older women with breast cancer who used the Internet had a significantly longer time since diagnosis (52.6 months) compared to women less than 65 (51.2 months, p < .05). In women with mastectomies, mean time since surgery in younger women was 50.4 months , compared to older women , who had a mean time of 99.3 months (p < .05). There were no significant differences for prescription or alternative medicine use. Older age was associated with a significantly lower SF-36 Physical Summary score (41.9) compared to younger women (46.1, p < .05). Older age was also associated with a lower score on the Mental Summary Scale (53.5) compared to younger age (44.8, p < .05). Implications: Older women with breast cancer who used the Internet had significantly longer times since breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy. Significantly higher Physical Summary scores, and lower Mental Summary Scores on the SF-36, indicated poorer physical health, and better mental health. Internet support is sought long after diagnosis. Further research is needed to clarify these relationships.