Bender, Jacqueline L., et al. "Online communities for breast cancer survivors: a review and analysis of their characteristics and levels of use." Supportive Care in Cancer 21 (2013): 1253-1263.

This study explores the characteristics and usage of online communities for breast cancer survivors. Through a detailed search using Google, website resource lists, and personal libraries, 111 websites were identified and analyzed for general characteristics, membership, and message board posts. The findings revealed a majority of these sites have a broad health focus, with a significant portion dedicated specifically to breast cancer. Most of the sites are based in the U.S., operated by non-profit organizations, and are moderated - predominantly by staff, community members, and in some cases, health professionals. A notable finding is that over a third of these sites were founded by breast cancer survivors or their loved ones. Content analysis showed a vast number of posts, with a small fraction of sites containing the majority of these discussions. The study underscores the extensive resource online communities offer to breast cancer survivors, suggesting future research should aim at understanding what makes these communities successful and effective.