To Post or Not to Post

In the past, women diagnosed with cancer relied on their real-world social networks to find others in their situation. Since the explosion of social media outlets, they can now gather on websites and forums to share experiences, seek advice and support. Women diagnosed today can research their disease anytime of the day or night and gather the information they need from people around the world to make important decisions much faster than before. It's pretty amazing.

Social media makes updating friends and family about the day-to-day happenings of cancer treatment simple – no need to answer every phone call or email. A friend’s recent Facebook post that she was one year out from her first round of chemotherapy garnered nearly 100 responses. The words of encouragement surely made her feel loved and supported.

But, as with everything else, there can be a downside to sharing a cancer experience on a social media site. Women who choose to share their every detail must be prepared to share them out in the real world as well.

For those of you trying to figure out how social media fits into your cancer experience, here are some tips:

TMI.If you wouldn’t tell 500 of your closest friends the details of your recent doctor’s appointment, than don’t share it on Facebook. It’s easy to forget that your coworker from three jobs ago or your fifth-grade boyfriend are your Facebook friends.
Mind your Privacy Settings. Review your privacy settings on social networking sites to make sure your posts are reaching who you want and not who you don't want.
Change the Venue. You can always send a message to select friends and family on Facebook, rather than posting on your wall. Or, even better, start a Caring Bridge page instead. A password is needed to access your page.
Quality vs. Quantity. Balance your time online with real communication. The warmth and familiarity of a loved one’s voice can do wonders on a down day and can bring a smile to a face quicker than a thumbs-up on a recent post.