A cancer patient uses their computer to talk on social media about their condition and health care journey.
Patients are more frequently taking to social media and the internet to blog about their conditions and health care journeys. (For Spectrum Health Beat)

That little lump on the side of your right breast? Well, it’s cancerous.

The pain in your chest? A sign of a blocked artery.

The funny-looking mole on your arm? Melanoma.

The symptoms that worried your family? Type 2 diabetes.

The diagnosis is delivered, and an unexpected and unwanted battle to regain your good health begins.

These days, many patients finding themselves in such fights are choosing to rally the troops by sharing their care experiences through social media, particularly blogs.

According to The Pew Research Center, “the online conversation about health is being driven forward by two forces: 1.) the availability of social tools and 2.) the motivation, especially among people living with chronic conditions, to connect with each other.”

Some patient bloggers have gathered wide audiences, such as Lisa Bonchek Adams, who amassed thousands of Facebook and Twitter users following her experience with breast cancer.

“Communicating is a coping strategy and social media is the modern way to communicate,” explained Kiran Taylor, MD, chief of psychiatry and behavioral medicine for Spectrum Health Medical Group.

Blogging can be helpful to the patient, their caregivers, family and friends. However, that depends on the individual.

“If sharing your life experiences has helped you in the past, it likely will now,” Taylor said. “People who care about you want to know what’s going on and what they can do to help. Blogging helps you avoid repeating your story over and over to individuals. In addition, social media can connect you with other patients who have gone through similar challenges so you can learn from each other.”

She advises patients to proceed with some caution in their blogs.

“Anytime you share details of your life, in conversation or in writing, you are opening yourself up to vulnerability,” Dr. Taylor said. “Communication is a two-way street and you can’t control how people may react to what you share.”

If your blog allows comments, be prepared for some criticism of your decisions, as well as support.

“Everyone is different in how they receive comments. If you are able to absorb the positive feedback and let the negative words roll off your back, you should be fine,” Dr. Taylor said. “Most people feel the positive feedback they get from their blogs far outweighs the risk of negative comments.”

She also cautions patients connecting with others with the same health issue via social media not to do so “if it’s not working for you.”

“If reading about other people’s experiences and challenges is scaring or worrying you, than stop reading their posts. The point is to draw strength from others, not to let them bring you down.”