When you enter the world of cancer, it can be isolating and utterly exhausting. Rounds of chemotherapy or radiation can leave people with little energy to get out of bed, not to mention out of the house. A growing number of opportunities now exist for cancer patients to get support on the internet, without having to leave their living rooms. I’m not just talking about medical information, but also social support through chat rooms, blogs and/or social networks. As a cancer patient told me recently, his online support system helped him make it through his darkest days. Here’s a look at some of what we know about this type of support, and where to go to find it.

1) Will we live longer? I asked Dr. Charles Raison with Psychiatric Oncology Services at Emory University whether social support helps people with cancer survive longer than those who got little or no support. He said he knew of no studies to date that strictly dealt with internet support, but social support in general has been studied for years and the results are mixed. Early studies seemed to indicate that people might live a little longer with the benefit of social support, while later research did not always come up with this finding. Though the jury may still be out on the issue of survival, going it alone is not the answer.

2) Will we live better? Even though cancer patients who get social support won't necessarily live longer, they do seem to live better. Numerous studies have found that people felt more positive, more empowered, and less likely to surrender to hopelessness, when they have the support of a social network or group. For some, being connected with others motivates them in a way that they can't muster on their own.

3) Where do we go from here? An internet search on cancer support groups will bring up dozens and dozens of sites. Here are several we've found to be helpful: CaringBridge is a social network that allows families to send out information on a loved one, as well as receive messages of support from people who have been invited to use the site. The Cancer Survivors Network which is part of the American Cancer Society is another place to look for support. Planet Cancer is a site for young adults with cancer and the Group Loop is a great resource for teens. And finally a website called the Association of Cancer Online Resources has a little bit of everything.

If you come across a site and are wondering about the source and the quality of their advice, you can always call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 for guidance.

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