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.