Blogs – M@le prescription for cancer

Abstract

Introduction. Blogs are one of many forms of activity among the Internet users. The contents of a blog serve the purpose of self-presentation and touch upon a variety of topics that reflect current social issues. Common topics include dealing with chronic conditions, those of the author or their close relatives.

Materials and methodology. The analysis included 10 blogs written by male users, about cancer.

Results. The analysis of the blog content suggests that writing is a form of coping with the illness, showing defense mechanisms and a form of ego integration. The very process of writing is a form of auto-therapy, allowing the author to embrace his new role, so that the process of accepting the condition is as constructive as possible, by including mechanisms of coping with stress and pressure typical in a difficult situation. Blogging itself allows the authors to "familiarize themselves" with the condition, to actively cope with the negative effects of treatment. Given the maturity of Bloggers, the contents presented may be helpful for other patients. From a medical point of view, patients describe the whole treatment process, starting with the diagnosis, through chemotherapy, to follow-up or terminal condition. Patients also include information about alternative treatments. However they do not withdraw from conventional therapy. Additionally, they make critical remarks about the functioning of the health-care system.

Conclusions. Blogs written by male Internet users dealing with cancer have a positive information and therapeutic impact both for patients and people from risk groups. They enable autotherapy, and help to identify with a person who is coping with the condition.