Gender and online cancer support groups: Issues facing male cancer patients

Background. Men are underrepresented in cancer support groups. They emphasize information seeking rather than emotional support and are less likely to express negative emotion critical for change. Three hypotheses were tested; men compared to women express fewer negative emotions, especially about their cancer, and men experience more fear and apprehension. Method. Four online professionally led groups were sampled. Assessments of emotions and fears used 3 text analysis programs. Results. Women expressed more negative emotions. these differences were more pronounced when discussing their cancer. Men experienced greater anxiety/fear, which may explain their under representation. Conclusions. The dual dilemma of attracting men to support groups and directing them to emotional issues represents a challenge to health providers.