Portrayals of treatment decision-making on popular breast and prostate cancer web sites

The objective of this study was to describe the messages about treatment decision-making on popular cancer web sites, with particular reference to gender differences. The two most popular UK based web sites for breast and prostate cancer were chosen. Qualitative and quantitative comparative content analysis of the two case study web sites were performed. Web site portrayals of treatment decision-making by men with prostate cancer emphasize the obligation to be decisive, using information derived from medical sources, with minimal consultation with families and friends. Portrayals of treatment decision-making by women with breast cancer emphasize their family obligations, their need to make decisions about matters other than treatment, their right to opt out of decision-making, to take time, sometimes change their minds, consult with families and friends, and thereby take non-medical factors into account. This study will help health care practitioners understand the different factors that men and women feel obliged to consider when making decisions about their cancer treatments, and the role of the Internet in reinforcing gender differences.