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Reffner Collins MK, Lazard AJ, Hedrick McKenzie AM, Varma T. 'It's Nothing Like Cancer': Young Adults with Cancer Reflect on Memorable Entertainment Narratives. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 39:552-562. [PMID: 36746916 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2174403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A cancer diagnosis in young adulthood disrupts the achievement of developmental milestones, and young adults struggle to make sense of their cancer experience due to a lack of opportunities to both openly talk about cancer and engage in reflective activities. However, entertainment narratives - or stories - may be an alternative to prompt these activities, as narratives can elicit self-expansion that may help fulfill intrinsic needs. One way to think about these narratives is as memorable messages. These messages stick with a person for a long period of time, have an anticipatory socialization effect, and may prompt the sense-making process through narrative communication. Little is known, though, about the use of entertainment narratives among young adults with cancer. We interviewed 25 young adults with cancer about entertainment narratives that were memorable during their cancer experience and how those narratives affected them. From these in-depth, semi-structured interviews, we found that entertainment narratives were generally helpful if they provided distraction from cancer, were relatable, and/or prompted participants to explore their emotions. We found that entertainment narratives were generally harmful if they worsened participants' emotional state, either by exacerbating fears of death and/or depicting cancer unrealistically. Our findings suggest that entertainment narratives are memorable messages, and that helpful messages increased feelings of competence and validation, which could promote psychological adaptation to the disease. Harmful messages increased fear and invalidated participants' difficult experiences, which could lead to greater illness centrality and internalized stigma. Implications for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Allison J Lazard
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina
| | | | - Tushar Varma
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Pearce E, Raj H, Emezienna N, Gilkey MB, Lazard AJ, Ribisl KM, Savage SA, Han PK. The Use of Social Media to Express and Manage Medical Uncertainty in Dyskeratosis Congenita: Content Analysis. JMIR INFODEMIOLOGY 2024; 4:e46693. [PMID: 38224480 PMCID: PMC10825764 DOI: 10.2196/46693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media has the potential to provide social support for rare disease communities; however, little is known about the use of social media for the expression of medical uncertainty, a common feature of rare diseases. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the expression of medical uncertainty on social media in the context of dyskeratosis congenita, a rare cancer-prone inherited bone marrow failure and telomere biology disorder (TBD). METHODS We performed a content analysis of uncertainty-related posts on Facebook and Twitter managed by Team Telomere, a patient advocacy group for this rare disease. We assessed the frequency of uncertainty-related posts, uncertainty sources, issues, and management and associations between uncertainty and social support. RESULTS Across all TBD social media platforms, 45.98% (1269/2760) of posts were uncertainty related. Uncertainty-related posts authored by Team Telomere on Twitter focused on scientific (306/434, 70.5%) or personal (230/434, 53%) issues and reflected uncertainty arising from probability, ambiguity, or complexity. Uncertainty-related posts in conversations among patients and caregivers in the Facebook community group focused on scientific (429/511, 84%), personal (157/511, 30.7%), and practical (114/511, 22.3%) issues, many of which were related to prognostic unknowns. Both platforms suggested uncertainty management strategies that focused on information sharing and community building. Posts reflecting response-focused uncertainty management strategies (eg, emotional regulation) were more frequent on Twitter compared with the Facebook community group (χ21=3.9; P=.05), whereas posts reflecting uncertainty-focused management strategies (eg, ordering information) were more frequent in the Facebook community group compared with Twitter (χ21=55.1; P<.001). In the Facebook community group, only 36% (184/511) of members created posts during the study period, and those who created posts did so with a low frequency (median 3, IQR 1-7 posts). Analysis of post creator characteristics suggested that most users of TBD social media are White, female, and parents of patients with dyskeratosis congenita. CONCLUSIONS Although uncertainty is a pervasive and multifactorial issue in TBDs, our findings suggest that the discussion of medical uncertainty on TBD social media is largely limited to brief exchanges about scientific, personal, or practical issues rather than ongoing supportive conversation. The nature of uncertainty-related conversations also varied by user group: patients and caregivers used social media primarily to discuss scientific uncertainties (eg, regarding prognosis), form social connections, or exchange advice on accessing and organizing medical care, whereas Team Telomere used social media to express scientific and personal issues of uncertainty and to address the emotional impact of uncertainty. The higher involvement of female parents on TBD social media suggests a potentially greater burden of uncertainty management among mothers compared with other groups. Further research is needed to understand the dynamics of social media engagement to manage medical uncertainty in the TBD community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Pearce
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Clinical Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Hannah Raj
- Team Telomere, Coeur d'Alene, ID, United States
| | - Ngozika Emezienna
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Clinical Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Melissa B Gilkey
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Allison J Lazard
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kurt M Ribisl
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sharon A Savage
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Clinical Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Paul Kj Han
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Behavioral Research Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
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Song M, He Q, Yang J, Zhang J. Latent classes of health-promoting lifestyle in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in China: A cross-sectional survey. Nurs Open 2024; 11:e2059. [PMID: 38268274 PMCID: PMC10733708 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.2059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To identify the latent classes of a health-promoting lifestyle and examine the associations of latent class profile with individual characteristics of breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy in China in order to provide some insights and recommendations for targeted and individualized health education of health-promoting lifestyle. DESIGN A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used for this work. METHODS A total of 197 patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy recruited from the Breast Cancer Outpatient Chemotherapy Clinic of a Grade 3A hospital were surveyed. Health-promoting lifestyle was measured using the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile-II: Chinese Version Short (HPLP-IICR). Latent class analysis was used to examine respondents' health-promoting lifestyle patterns. Associations between the latent class membership and individual characteristics were examined using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS Four latent classes were identified: Class 1-Good Nutrition and Poor Physical Activity, Class 2-Poor Health Responsibility and Nutrition, Class 3-Active Health-Promoting Lifestyle, and Class 4-Medium Spiritual Growth and Poor Other Dimensions. Younger respondents and respondents with a higher score in anxiety and depression were more likely to be classified in Class 4 rather than Class 1 or 3. Respondents with low exercise self-efficacy were more likely to be classified in Class 4 than the others. Respondents in Class 4 had more chemotherapy symptom severity and interference, and cases of menopause were fewer in Class 4 rather than Class 3. Those in Class 4 were more likely to have been diagnosed with cancer within 3 months than those in Class 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixuan Song
- School of NursingShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Qiuyao He
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineWest China HospitalChengduSichuanChina
| | - Juan Yang
- Department of NursingYueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jinyu Zhang
- School of NursingShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
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Fox RS, Armstrong GE, Gaumond JS, Vigoureux TF, Miller CH, Sanford SD, Salsman JM, Katsanis E, Badger TA, Reed DR, Gonzalez BD, Jim HS, Warner EL, Victorson DE, Oswald LB. Social isolation and social connectedness among young adult cancer survivors: A systematic review. Cancer 2023; 129:2946-2965. [PMID: 37489837 PMCID: PMC10584376 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social isolation and connectedness are social determinants of health that have demonstrated effects on cancer-related outcomes. These constructs have been systematically evaluated among pediatric and older adult cancer populations. In this review, the authors evaluated the prevalence, correlates, and psychosocial implications of social isolation and connectedness among young adult (YA) cancer survivors aged 18-39 years. METHODS Peer-reviewed articles published in English before June 2021 were identified from database searches and included articles' reference lists according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Included articles described studies that assessed social isolation and/or connectedness among YA cancer survivors. RESULTS In total, 5094 unique records were identified; 4143 were excluded after title/abstract screening, and 907 were excluded after full-text review. Forty-four articles were included. Few studies used validated measures or directly assessed social isolation or connectedness. Social isolation was similarly prevalent among YAs and older cancer survivors and noncancer populations. Demographic, clinical, and behavioral risk and protective factors for social isolation were identified. Social isolation was related to worse psychological well-being, whereas social connectedness was often, but not always, related to better psychological well-being. CONCLUSIONS This growing literature underscores the relevance of social isolation and connectedness as important health determinants among YA cancer survivors. The identified risk and protective factors can identify YAs who especially may benefit from screening for social isolation. Future studies are needed that directly, reliably, and validly evaluate social isolation and connectedness to inform the development of interventions to decrease isolation and increase connectedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina S. Fox
- University of Arizona College of Nursing, Tucson, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Grace E. Armstrong
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Julia S. Gaumond
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Corinne H. Miller
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stacy D. Sanford
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John M. Salsman
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Emmanuel Katsanis
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Terry A. Badger
- University of Arizona College of Nursing, Tucson, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | | | | | - Echo L. Warner
- University of Utah College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - David E. Victorson
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Lazard AJ, Meernik C, Collins MKR, Vereen RN, Benedict C, Valle CG, Love B. Social Media Use for Cancer Support Among Young Adults with Cancer. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:674-684. [PMID: 37257189 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Social media can facilitate peer support among young adults with cancer; however, information is needed about what social media are used, by whom, and how to inform resource and intervention recommendations. Methods: In December 2021, we conducted an online survey with 396 young adults with cancer, ages 18-39, with any diagnosis ages 15-39. Participants reported their social media use to connect with other young adults with cancer, including frequency of use, type of support, and affect (positive to negative) when using to connect with cancer peers. Results: Participants were on average 31 years old (SD = 5.2), with an average age of 27 at diagnosis (63.4% male, 62.1% non-Hispanic White). Almost all (97.5%) reported using social media to connect with other young adults with cancer. Many (48.0%) used three or more social media platforms for cancer support, including Facebook (44.4%), YouTube (43.6%), Instagram (43.4%), Snapchat (36.9%), and Twitter (36.9%). Daily use for cancer support was common (32.9%-60.9%) among those who used social media, particularly among those who were younger; are not transgender; live in urban areas; or had brain, gynecologic, or testicular cancers. Across social media platforms, young adults with cancer reported seeking and sharing emotional support (88.9%), informational support (84.1%), and making connections (81.3%). Conclusion: Young adults with cancer use social media to connect with cancer peers for support. Commonly used existing social media (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Instagram) should be prioritized in interventions to reach young adults who desire more age-appropriate resources to improve their psychosocial health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison J Lazard
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Clare Meernik
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Meredith K Reffner Collins
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rhyan N Vereen
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Catherine Benedict
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Carmina G Valle
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brad Love
- Center for Health Communication, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA
- GRYT Health, Rochester, New York, USA
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Meksawasdichai S, Lerksuthirat T, Ongphiphadhanakul B, Sriphrapradang C. Perspectives and Experiences of Patients With Thyroid Cancer at a Global Level: Retrospective Descriptive Study of Twitter Data. JMIR Cancer 2023; 9:e48786. [PMID: 37531163 PMCID: PMC10433024 DOI: 10.2196/48786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twitter has become a popular platform for individuals to broadcast their daily experiences and opinions on a wide range of topics and emotions. Tweets from patients with cancer could offer insights into their needs. However, limited research has been conducted using Twitter data to understand the needs of patients with cancer despite the substantial amount of health-related data posted on the platform daily. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to uncover the potential of using Twitter data to understand the perspectives and experiences of patients with thyroid cancer at a global level. METHODS This retrospective descriptive study collected tweets relevant to thyroid cancer in 2020 using the Twitter scraping tool. Only English-language tweets were included, and data preprocessing was performed to remove irrelevant tweets, duplicates, and retweets. Both tweets and Twitter users were manually classified into various groups based on the content. Each tweet underwent sentiment analysis and was classified as either positive, neutral, or negative. RESULTS A total of 13,135 tweets related to thyroid cancer were analyzed. The authors of the tweets included patients with thyroid cancer (3225 tweets, 24.6%), patient's families and friends (2449 tweets, 18.6%), medical journals and media (1733 tweets, 13.2%), health care professionals (1093 tweets, 8.3%), and medical health organizations (940 tweets, 7.2%), respectively. The most discussed topics related to living with cancer (3650 tweets, 27.8%), treatment (2891 tweets, 22%), diagnosis (1613 tweets, 12.3%), risk factors and prevention (1137 tweets, 8.7%), and research (953 tweets, 7.3%). An average of 36 tweets pertaining to thyroid cancer were posted daily. Notably, the release of a film addressing thyroid cancer and the public disclosure of a news reporter's personal diagnosis of thyroid cancer resulted in a significant escalation in the volume of tweets. From the sentiment analysis, 53.5% (7025/13,135) of tweets were classified as neutral statements and 32.7% (4299/13,135) of tweets expressed negative emotions. Tweets from patients with thyroid cancer had the highest proportion of negative emotion (1385/3225 tweets, 42.9%), particularly when discussing symptoms. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insights on using Twitter data as a valuable data source to understand the experiences of patients with thyroid cancer. Twitter may provide an opportunity to improve patient and physician engagement or apply as a potential research data source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sununtha Meksawasdichai
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tassanee Lerksuthirat
- Research Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Chutintorn Sriphrapradang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Lazard AJ, Nicolla S, Vereen RN, Pendleton S, Charlot M, Tan HJ, DiFranzo D, Pulido M, Dasgupta N. Exposure and Reactions to Cancer Treatment Misinformation and Advice: Survey Study. JMIR Cancer 2023; 9:e43749. [PMID: 37505790 PMCID: PMC10422174 DOI: 10.2196/43749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer treatment misinformation, or false claims about alternative cures, often spreads faster and farther than true information on social media. Cancer treatment misinformation can harm the psychosocial and physical health of individuals with cancer and their cancer care networks by causing distress and encouraging people to abandon support, potentially leading to deviations from evidence-based care. There is a pressing need to understand how cancer treatment misinformation is shared and uncover ways to reduce misinformation. OBJECTIVE We aimed to better understand exposure and reactions to cancer treatment misinformation, including the willingness of study participants to prosocially intervene and their intentions to share Instagram posts with cancer treatment misinformation. METHODS We conducted a survey on cancer treatment misinformation among US adults in December 2021. Participants reported their exposure and reactions to cancer treatment misinformation generally (saw or heard, source, type of advice, and curiosity) and specifically on social media (platform, believability). Participants were then randomly assigned to view 1 of 3 cancer treatment misinformation posts or an information post and asked to report their willingness to prosocially intervene and their intentions to share. RESULTS Among US adult participants (N=603; mean age 46, SD 18.83 years), including those with cancer and cancer caregivers, almost 1 in 4 (142/603, 23.5%) received advice about alternative ways to treat or cure cancer. Advice was primarily shared through family (39.4%) and friends (37.3%) for digestive (30.3%) and natural (14.1%) alternative cancer treatments, which generated curiosity among most recipients (106/142, 74.6%). More than half of participants (337/603, 55.9%) saw any cancer treatment misinformation on social media, with significantly higher exposure for those with cancer (53/109, 70.6%) than for those without cancer (89/494, 52.6%; P<.001). Participants saw cancer misinformation on Facebook (39.8%), YouTube (27%), Instagram (22.1%), and TikTok (14.1%), among other platforms. Participants (429/603, 71.1%) thought cancer treatment misinformation was true, at least sometimes, on social media. More than half (357/603, 59.2%) were likely to share any cancer misinformation posts shown. Many participants (412/603, 68.3%) were willing to prosocially intervene for any cancer misinformation posts, including flagging the cancer treatment misinformation posts as false (49.7%-51.4%) or reporting them to the platform (48.1%-51.4%). Among the participants, individuals with cancer and those who identified as Black or Hispanic reported greater willingness to intervene to reduce cancer misinformation but also higher intentions to share misinformation. CONCLUSIONS Cancer treatment misinformation reaches US adults through social media, including on widely used platforms for support. Many believe that social media posts about alternative cancer treatment are true at least some of the time. The willingness of US adults, including those with cancer and members of susceptible populations, to prosocially intervene could initiate the necessary community action to reduce cancer treatment misinformation if coupled with strategies to help individuals discern false claims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison J Lazard
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sydney Nicolla
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hll, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Rhyan N Vereen
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hll, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Shanetta Pendleton
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hll, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Marjory Charlot
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Hung-Jui Tan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Dominic DiFranzo
- P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States
| | - Marlyn Pulido
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Nabarun Dasgupta
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Ma J, Qian HZ, Peng Y, Xiang Y, Yang M, Hahne J, Gu C. Efficacy of a smartphone-based care support programme in improving post-traumatic stress in families with childhood cancer: protocol of a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060629. [PMID: 36137628 PMCID: PMC9511543 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diagnosis and treatment represent distressing experiences for the families of children with cancer. Psychosocial challenges are faced by these families in China because of limited health services and resources for psychosocial oncology care. Effective interventions tailored to the knowledge level and cultural values of this population are needed. The goal of this study is to evaluate a smartphone-based care support (SBCS) programme for the families of children with cancer in China. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A parallel randomised controlled trial will be conducted to examine the efficacy of an evidence-based and culturally tailored SBCS programme for the families of children with cancer in China. A total of 180 families will be recruited. The intervention will consist of an introduction session and four main sessions and will be conducted sequentially on a single weekend day. Participating families will be included in the intervention group. The post-traumatic stress and quality of life of families will be evaluated at baseline, during the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 2 and 6 months after the intervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval for this protocol has been obtained from the Nursing and Behavioural Medicine Research Ethics Review Committee, Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University (Protocol #: E2020125). The findings of the trial will be disseminated through conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2000040510.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ma
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Han-Zhu Qian
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yueyang Peng
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yali Xiang
- Health Management Center, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Minghua Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Central South University Third Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jessica Hahne
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Can Gu
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Hamilton AC, Donnelly DW, Fitzpatrick D, Coleman HG. Early-Onset Cancers in Adults: A Review of Epidemiology, Supportive Care Needs and Future Research Priorities. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4021. [PMID: 36011014 PMCID: PMC9406462 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14164021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Rising incidence of specific types of early-age onset cancers in adults aged 18-49 years has been reported in high-income countries. In this review, we summarise the epidemiology of early-onset cancers using exemplar data from a high-income UK region, discuss supportive care needs for young patients and outline future research directions. The incidence rate of early-onset cancers increased by 20.5% from 1993 to 2019 in Northern Ireland. Differences in types of cancer were observed between sexes and across age groups of 18-29, 30-39 and 40-49 years. One and five-year net survival was mostly better in 18-29-year-olds for all cancers combined compared to older age groups for both sexes, but there were variations in specific cancer types. Poorer survival was observed for patients with brain/central nervous system, connective and soft tissue or lung cancers. Patients with early-onset cancers face unique supportive care needs and require holistic care. The impact of cancer treatment on fertility and fertility preservation treatments is an important consideration. Social media can be used for patient support, information, fundraising, advocacy work and recruitment to research studies. We also outline suggested future research priorities for early-onset cancers, spanning prevention, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care needs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David W. Donnelly
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
- Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6DP, UK
| | - Deirdre Fitzpatrick
- Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6DP, UK
| | - Helen G. Coleman
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
- Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6DP, UK
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
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Rini C, Waltz M, Bovbjerg K, Farrell D, Yanez B, Chicaiza A, Hartstein ML, Omar R, Thompson R, Rowley SD, Stanton AL, Valdimarsdottir H, Austin J, Van Denburg AN, Graves KD. Optimizing use of Written Peer Support as a Supportive Resource in Cancer: FOCUS GROUP INSIGHTS. Psychooncology 2022; 31:1589-1596. [PMID: 35765696 PMCID: PMC9452473 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer survivors frequently describe wanting to learn from others who have had similar diagnoses or treatments (peer support). We conducted focus groups to investigate hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivors' attitudes and preferences regarding accessing written peer support through a website. Although written peer support does not allow for interpersonal interactions with peers, it could increase transplant recipients' access to evidence-based benefits of informational and emotional peer support. METHODS We conducted four videoconference focus groups with 34 adult transplant survivors who were diverse in their medical and sociodemographic characteristics and geographic location. Discussions were recorded, transcribed, and content analyzed. RESULTS Many participants reported need for information about transplant beyond what they received from their healthcare providers. Needs varied across participants, as did preferences for characteristics and timing of information optimally provided through peer support. Participants were enthusiastic about the value of written peer support but emphasized that it should be delivered in a way that accommodates variation in transplant experiences, underscores its trustworthiness, and pairs it with useful psychoeducational content. CONCLUSIONS Findings provide guidance for making written peer support an accessible, supportive resource for transplant survivors. Future research should evaluate personalized online delivery of written peer support paired with psychoeducational content that enhances its benefits. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Written peer support delivered online could be a useful, valued resource for transplant survivors. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Rini
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Margaret Waltz
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Katrin Bovbjerg
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Betina Yanez
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anthony Chicaiza
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Madison L Hartstein
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rahma Omar
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rebecca Thompson
- John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Scott D Rowley
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA.,John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Annette L Stanton
- Department of Psychiatry/Biobehavioral Science, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Psychology, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Heiddis Valdimarsdottir
- Department of Psychology, Reykjavik University, Reykjavík, Iceland.,Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jane Austin
- Department of Psychology, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, USA
| | - Alyssa N Van Denburg
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kristi D Graves
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
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11
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Reuman H, Kerr K, Sidani J, Felker J, Escobar-Viera C, Shensa A, Maurer SH. Living in an online world: Social media experiences of adolescents and young adults with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29666. [PMID: 35293691 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite widespread use, little is known about how adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer use social media (SM). This research characterized use and self-reported SM experiences among AYA with cancer. PROCEDURE AYA, aged 12-26 years, receiving cancer care completed a mixed-methods survey regarding SM experiences. Clinical information was obtained from the electronic medical record. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t tests, and qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Thirty-nine AYA with average age 16 (SD = 3.2) years participated. Most were Caucasian (92%) males (54%). Participants had leukemia/lymphoma (56%), solid tumors (33%), and brain tumors (10%). Nearly all (97%) used SM, with YouTube, Snapchat, and Instagram being the most popular. AYA self-reported lower SM use than their smartphone data indicated (2.8 hours/day, SD = 1.2 vs 3.4 hours/day, SD = 1.3; P < 0.001). Participants used SM to obtain information about their cancer (45%), post about cancer (47%), and read about others' cancer experience (50%). One-third made a friend with cancer through SM (32%). Qualitative results indicated that AYA had positive cancer-related SM experiences, including feelings of support (54%), community (27%), distraction (8%), and inspiration (8%). Most denied negative experiences (78%); however, 17% reported cyberbullying related to cancer. CONCLUSIONS AYA with cancer avidly use SM, noting it provides a sense of support and community. However, one-sixth reported cancer-related cyberbullying. AYA oncology providers have an opportunity to enhance positive and blunt negative SM interactions by addressing and guiding SM use in AYA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Reuman
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Jaime Sidani
- University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - James Felker
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - César Escobar-Viera
- Center for Behavioral Health, Media, and Technology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Internet Delivered Interventions on LGBTQA+ Mental Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ariel Shensa
- Department of Health Administration and Public Health, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Scott H Maurer
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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12
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Social Media and Social Support: A Framework for Patient Satisfaction in Healthcare. INFORMATICS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/informatics9010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Social media has been a powerful source of social support for health consumers. In the healthcare sector, social media has thrived, building on various dynamic platforms supporting the connection between social relationships, health, and wellbeing. While prior research has shown that social support exerts a positive impact on health outcomes, there is scant literature examining the implications of social support for patient satisfaction, which suggests that there is a profound gap in the extant literature. The objective of this study is to develop and test a theoretical model for understanding the relationship between different dimensions of social support and patient empowerment. The study further investigates the debated relationship between patient empowerment and patient satisfaction. The measurement model indicated an acceptable fit (χ2 = 260.226; df, 107, χ2/df = 2.432, RMSEA = 0.07, GFI = 0.90, IFI = 0.95, TLI = 0.94, and CFI = 0.95). Findings indicate that emotional support (p < 0.001), information support (p < 0.05), and network support (p < 0.001) positively influence the notion of patient empowerment. In turn, patient empowerment positively influences patient satisfaction (p < 0.001). The proposed framework contributes to the health communication literature by introducing a novel framework for patient satisfaction in the social media context, which provides important inputs for healthcare service providers in developing patient empowerment strategies.
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13
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Bovbjerg K, Graves K, Waltz M, Farrell D, Yanez B, Chicaiza A, Omar R, Thompson R, Kop M, Van Denburg AN, Lorch D, Rowley SD, Rini C. Expanding access to cancer peer support: development of a website to deliver written peer support that meets patients' individual emotional and informational needs while reducing potential harms. PROCEDIA COMPUTER SCIENCE 2022; 206:195-205. [PMID: 36567868 PMCID: PMC9788802 DOI: 10.1016/j.procs.2022.09.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Cancer patients often want information from "peers" with the same diagnosis or treatment. To increase access to this valuable resource, we developed a website to deliver written peer support to cancer patients undergoing stem cell transplant. Because little evidence describes how to optimize benefits or reduce potential harms of written peer support, we gathered multiple forms of stakeholder feedback to inform the website's ethical approach, personalization, design, function, and content: a Community Advisory Board; a longitudinal study of patients' written peer support needs and motivations; focus groups; semi-structured interviews; and usability testing. Findings provide a rich foundation for website development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Bovbjerg
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Dept of Medical Social Sciences, 625 N. Michigan Ave, 21-00, Chicago, IL, 60611 USA
| | - Kristi Graves
- Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, 2115 Wisconsin Ave N, Ste. 300, Washington, DC 20007 USA
| | - Margaret Waltz
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, 333 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 USA
| | - David Farrell
- People Designs, Inc., 1304 Broad Street, Durham, NC 27705 USA
| | - Betina Yanez
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Dept of Medical Social Sciences, 625 N. Michigan Ave, 21-00, Chicago, IL, 60611 USA,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 675 N St Clair St. Floor 21, Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Anthony Chicaiza
- Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, 2115 Wisconsin Ave N, Ste. 300, Washington, DC 20007 USA
| | - Rahma Omar
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Dept of Medical Social Sciences, 625 N. Michigan Ave, 21-00, Chicago, IL, 60611 USA
| | - Rebecca Thompson
- John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, 92 2nd Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 USA
| | - Mariska Kop
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Dept of Medical Social Sciences, 625 N. Michigan Ave, 21-00, Chicago, IL, 60611 USA,John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, 92 2nd Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 USA
| | - Alyssa N. Van Denburg
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Dept of Medical Social Sciences, 625 N. Michigan Ave, 21-00, Chicago, IL, 60611 USA
| | - Danielle Lorch
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Dept of Medical Social Sciences, 625 N. Michigan Ave, 21-00, Chicago, IL, 60611 USA
| | - Scott D. Rowley
- Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, 2115 Wisconsin Ave N, Ste. 300, Washington, DC 20007 USA,John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, 92 2nd Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 USA
| | - Christine Rini
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Dept of Medical Social Sciences, 625 N. Michigan Ave, 21-00, Chicago, IL, 60611 USA,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 675 N St Clair St. Floor 21, Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60611 USA,Corresponding author
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14
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Can Social Media Be Used as a Community-Building and Support Tool among Jewish Women Impacted by Breast and Ovarian Cancer? An Evidence-Based Observational Report. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 10:healthcare10010051. [PMID: 35052215 PMCID: PMC8775619 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
About 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jewish women carry a deleterious mutation in BRCA1/2 genes, predisposing them to hereditary breast/ovarian cancer (HBOC). Thus, efforts to prevent and control HBOC in the US must include sufficient outreach and education campaigns within and across the Jewish community. Social media (SM) is utilized in public health campaigns focused on cancer, but very little is known about the efficacy of those efforts when directed toward Jewish women at risk for (“previvors”) and affected by (“survivors”) HBOC. Here, we report on outcomes of a targeted SM campaign for this population, as led by a national not-for-profit HBOC advocacy organization. Mixed-methods data were obtained from n = 393 members of the community, including n = 20 key informants, and analyzed for engagement and satisfaction with its SM campaign and HBOC resources. Message recipients identified the SM campaign as helpful/meaningful (82%), of ‘newsworthy’ value (78%), and actionable/navigable (71%): interviews revealed that women were more likely to engage with SM if/when it featured stories relevant to their personal cancer experiences. SM is a valuable public health education tool to address the comprehensive cancer control and prevention needs of those previving and surviving with HBOC, including high-risk Jewish women.
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15
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Lazard AJ, Collins MKR, Hedrick A, Varma T, Love B, Valle CG, Brooks E, Benedict C. Using Social Media for Peer-to-Peer Cancer Support: Interviews With Young Adults With Cancer. JMIR Cancer 2021; 7:e28234. [PMID: 34473063 PMCID: PMC8446843 DOI: 10.2196/28234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Web-based social support can address social isolation and unmet support needs among young adults with cancer (aged 18-39 years). Given that 94% of young adults own and use smartphones, social media can offer personalized, accessible social support among peers with cancer. Objective This study aims to examine the specific benefits, downsides, and topics of social support via social media among young adults with cancer. Methods We conducted semistructured interviews with young adults with cancer, aged between 18 and 39 years, who were receiving treatment or had completed treatment for cancer. Results Most participants (N=45) used general audience platforms (eg, Facebook groups), and some cancer-specific social media (eg, Caring Bridge), to discuss relevant lived experiences for medical information (managing side effects and treatment uncertainty) and navigating life with cancer (parenting and financial issues). Participants valued socializing with other young adults with cancer, making connections outside their personal networks, and being able to validate their emotional and mental health experiences without time and physical constraints. However, using social media for peer support can be an emotional burden, especially when others post disheartening or harassing content, and can heighten privacy concerns, especially when navigating cancer-related stigma. Conclusions Social media allows young adults to connect with peers to share and feel validated about their treatment and life concerns. However, barriers exist for receiving support from social media; these could be reduced through content moderation and developing more customizable, potentially cancer-specific social media apps and platforms to enhance one’s ability to find peers and manage groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison J Lazard
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Meredith K Reffner Collins
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Ashley Hedrick
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Tushar Varma
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Brad Love
- School of Advertising and Public Relations, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.,Gryt Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Carmina G Valle
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Erik Brooks
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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