Hygeia Public Health 2016, 51(2): 115-123pl

Internet in interventional studies on cancer prevention

Maksymilian Gajda, Małgorzata Kowalska

Katedra i Zakład Epidemiologii, Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach

Summary
The increase in the incidence and mortality due to most cancers has become an important public health issue, forcing the search for more effective methods of prevention. Meanwhile, the IT progress and a steady increase in the number of people with Internet access offer new opportunities for improving knowledge on cancer prevention. Many published papers have confirmed that the health information accessible online is helpful in the implementation of intervention programs designed to change inappropriate health behaviors. A rapid increase in the number of web-based interventional studies has been noted since the end of the twentieth century.
The aim of this paper (according to the data available in PubMed database) was to present the current state of knowledge regarding methods of conducting the web-based interventional studies.
It was established that this type of study was effective in reaching mostly young people. Intervention programs in the traditional form should be continued among people without the Internet access (often the elderly and rather less affluent). For the development of modern research techniques used in public health it is essential to promote active Internet access for people in older age groups by improving their ability to use the online resources. Medical doctors should be members of teams working on improving the effectiveness of interventions aimed at cancer prevention as doctors still remain the most reliable source of knowledge in this area.

Key words:  interventional studies, Internet, prevention, cancer