Social media has changed the rules of privacy for almost everyone. But for people diagnosed with cancer, social media use comes with the additional complications of online disclosure, which can have unintended consequences. This year’s Cancer and Careers’ survey polled survivors on their experiences with disclosing their cancer online.  

The full infographic is below, here are a few highlights:

• Nearly one in five cancer survivors polled said that revealing their cancer diagnosis on social media negatively impacted their career* 
• One in ten said they experienced repercussions at work because of their disclosure* 
• 77% of respondents who posted about cancer or disclosed their diagnosis online felt supported by friends and family or found a support group as a result*

As with any aspect of the cancer journey, the decision to disclose, whether online or in person, is a personal one based on a variety of factors. We have information and resources to help you think through this decision, in the Sharing the News section of our site.

*Caution low base. Results should be interpreted as directional in nature.