The internet is simply a network of computers which, when linked via telephone lines, becomes an information medium and communication device (Gomez et al 1998, Heenan 1999). It is argued that its development, coupled with the growth of consumerism, has the ability to irreversibly transform healthcare provision and philosophy (Eysenbach 2000, Jadad 1999). In this article, the growing phenomenon of people with cancer accessing information and communication via the internet is critically examined and its impact on professional practice explored.