Computer/online-mediated social support for cancer-related fatigue

Fatigue is a pervasive symptom in individuals with cancer that is often underrecognized and undertreated by health care providers. Contrasted with the sparse data in support of pharmacologic interventions for the management of cancer-related fatigue, the literature for nonpharmacologic interventions is vast. In particular, support groups have proven beneficial. Limited access, transportation issues, and unwillingness to share in a public forum represent just a few of the barriers to more widespread participation in face-to-face support groups. Millions of people with cancer rely on the Internet to gain information regarding their diagnosis and to validate their cancer experience. Tapping into this wealth of online information is an obvious avenue for patients with cancer-related fatigue to seek support. This article explores online- and computer-mediated support groups for fatigue.