By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    physical health
    5 Ways Playing Games Can Improve Neural and Physical Health
    September 9, 2022
    Reasons For Hair Loss and Its Treatment
    Reasons For Hair Loss and Its Treatment
    February 16, 2022
    healthcare organization
    5 Actionable Strategies For Healthcare Organizations
    August 15, 2022
    Latest News
    5 Reasons to Consider Drinking Sparkling Water
    June 8, 2023
    What Are the Different Categories of Medical Supplies?
    June 8, 2023
    Meal Delivery Services Can Promote Healthy Eating Habits
    June 8, 2023
    Getting Back in the Game: Sports Injuries Rehabilitation Tips
    May 31, 2023
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Aging Gracefully Part 4: Comprehensive Primary Care for the Elderly
    March 25, 2015
    Almost Anybody Qualifies for Medicaid in Maine
    November 23, 2012
    James Merlino, MD
    Perspective: The State of Patient Experience [Podcast]
    March 15, 2016
    Latest News
    Transparency and Ethics in Medical Residency Placement
    June 8, 2023
    MRI Sedation Options: What You Should Know Before Screening
    May 17, 2023
    What is the Process of Creating Medicine from Nature?
    May 2, 2023
    Choosing the Right Treatment Option for Varicose Veins
    May 2, 2023
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Cancer Social Media: A Story of Wins and Losses
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Aa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Aa
Search
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > eHealth > Social Media > Cancer Social Media: A Story of Wins and Losses
eHealthSocial Media

Cancer Social Media: A Story of Wins and Losses

Andrew Schorr
Last updated: 2014/10/24 at 8:00 AM
Andrew Schorr
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

social-media cancerSocial media that connects me with other people with cancer—especially the specific cancers I have dealt with—has been a godsend to me.

social-media cancerSocial media that connects me with other people with cancer—especially the specific cancers I have dealt with—has been a godsend to me. In 1996, when I was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)—a disease I had never heard of—it was other patients on the original ACOR.org listserv that connected me with an expert in my condition and gave me emotional support. That connection saved my life, because I learned about an important clinical trial and was put in touch with other “list members” who were already in the trial that was proposed for me. They encouraged me to enter; I did; and here I am today. That was a “win.” And since then, there have been many others. I have enjoyed wonderful virtual relationships with so many caring people. In 2011, when I was diagnosed with myelofibrosis, I joined more groups, and they have been terrific for me, too.

But I have felt pain in online social media, too. And lately, in the groups I follow, there has been a lot. As much as I am thrilled to bring people stories of promising research, breakthrough new treatments, new ways to limit side effects, and stories of people living well, the fact is cancer is serious, serious business—and there are losses all too often. And between the wins and losses, there can be hope, even confidence, but there can be uncertainty, too. Right now, some of my fellow group members are reeling from the losses—a father, a mother, a husband, a wife. While their suffering is over, we suffer the loss and are angered that it happened. Now we mourn as a virtual group.

But even in that time of pain, support springs anew from the four corners of the world. It is a very cool phenomenon. People whose bond is sometimes a condition that’s even hard to spell correctly connect on a very human level over today’s social media.  ACOR, HealthUnlocked, Facebook’s open and closed groups, Yahoo groups, direct messages on Twitter, and many other places, too. We are blessed that this electronic connection is possible.

More Read

tips to design a health app

How To Improve Patient Access Metrics

5 Ways Social Media Affects Teen Mental Health
6 Innovative Technologies Making Medical Diagnostics More Predictive
A Guide to Medical Billing Services for Small Practices
How to Use E-Cigarettes to Stop Smoking

Soon Patient Power will be piloting a new approach, first in CLL. We call it “Patient Café™”. The idea is to give maybe 10 to 12 people at a time the chance to meet on live video online, facilitated by an experienced patient leader. In CLL, Carol Preston, on behalf of the Patient Empowerment Network, will lead our effort. This will enable people who have never met anyone else with the condition to very comfortably have “coffee” with others. We will keep you informed as this rolls out and as we expand it. So please be signed up for alerts on our website, so you’ll know as this develops.

But the bottom line is social media brings us highs—and lately, some deep lows. However, it also gives us a community worldwide for the good times and the not so good. My dream is the celebrations of better health will increase and the losses will diminish. Thanks to all of you who join me in one of these groups. Many of us have connected directly, and my heart has been touched because of you.

Wishing you and your family the best of health!

Andrew

TAGGED: cancer

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Andrew Schorr October 24, 2014
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Copy Link Print
Share
Previous Article Social Media Safety: Virtual Connections Provide Realtime Results
Next Article ebola and EHR Ebola: Are We Relying on EHR to Tell the Story?

Stay Connected

1.5k Followers Like
4.5k Followers Follow
2.8k Followers Pin
136k Subscribers Subscribe

Latest News

medical residency ethics
Transparency and Ethics in Medical Residency Placement
Medicare June 8, 2023
weight loss
From Pills To Procedures: A Comprehensive Guide To Medical Weight Loss
Weight Loss June 8, 2023
sparkling water health benefits
5 Reasons to Consider Drinking Sparkling Water
News June 8, 2023
skin allergy causes
What Are The Common Triggers Of Skin Allergy?
Allergy June 8, 2023

You Might also Like

hair transplants for cancer patients
News

Why Reputable Hair Transplant Clinics Can Help Cancer Patients

March 21, 2023
air pollution and cancer
News

The Proven Links Between Air Pollution and Cancer

February 1, 2023
healthcare video marketing
MarketingSocial Media

How to Maintain a Successful YouTube Channel as a Healthcare Organization: Advantages of Video Marketing for your Medical Practice

November 9, 2022
Electronic Health Records
BusinesseHealthHospital AdministrationMedical Records

Top Benefits of Electronic Health Records for Psychiatrists and Psychologists

August 15, 2022
//

We influence million of users and is the most authentic source of information on healthcare business and technology news.

Quick Links

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Subscribe

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

Follow US

© 2008-2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?