Online social support network offers place to share cancer stories

Cancer support groups have always been a part of the Internet. But a new site calledI Had Cancer is offering cancer patients, survivors, and family members a chance to connect with other users who may be going through a similar experience.

According to a statement on the website:

I Had Cancer was created by Mailet Lopez (a cancer survivor) and the team at Squeaky Wheel Media in New York City. I Had Cancer allows cancer survivors, fighters and those newly diagnosed and their supporters, the friends & families of those affected to connect with one another and share their stories and experience of dealing with the deadly disease.

Unlike other social networking sites, I Had Cancer offers privacy settings for users who wish to stay anonymous or share limited information with family or friends. For instance, users can set up profiles using only a username, and do not need to provide full contact information for the site. At I Had Cancer, both parties must agree to the connection before a connection is approved.  "It is up to you how much information you choose to share. You may share as much or as little information as you would like. A limited profile is open to all, but your details, journal and events can only be seen by those in your circle," the website states.

In a press release, Lopez said:

"I had wonderful doctors and plenty of support from family and friends. But I was missing the connection to someone who shared my same experiences – someone who was my age, with my type of cancer."

"I had questions that only someone who has gone through cancer would be able to answer."

To learn more about I Had Cancer, view a promotional video here.

via TechCrunch

Related links: http://www.crunchbase.com/company/i-had-cancer

Image: Screenshot via I Had Cancer

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com