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Haff PL, Jacobson A, Taylor MM, Schandua HP, Farris DP, Doan HQ, Nelson KC. The New Media Landscape and Its Effects on Skin Cancer Diagnostics, Prognostics, and Prevention: Scoping Review. JMIR DERMATOLOGY 2024; 7:e53373. [PMID: 38587890 PMCID: PMC11036192 DOI: 10.2196/53373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The wide availability of web-based sources, including social media (SM), has supported rapid, widespread dissemination of health information. This dissemination can be an asset during public health emergencies; however, it can also present challenges when the information is inaccurate or ill-informed. Of interest, many SM sources discuss cancer, specifically cutaneous melanoma and keratinocyte cancers (basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma). OBJECTIVE Through a comprehensive and scoping review of the literature, this study aims to gain an actionable perspective of the state of SM information regarding skin cancer diagnostics, prognostics, and prevention. METHODS We performed a scoping literature review to establish the relationship between SM and skin cancer. A literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus from January 2000 to June 2023. The included studies discussed SM and its relationship to and effect on skin cancer. RESULTS Through the search, 1009 abstracts were initially identified, 188 received full-text review, and 112 met inclusion criteria. The included studies were divided into 7 groupings based on a publication's primary objective: misinformation (n=40, 36%), prevention campaign (n=19, 17%), engagement (n=16, 14%), research (n=12, 11%), education (n=11, 10%), demographics (n=10, 9%), and patient support (n=4, 3%), which were the most common identified themes. CONCLUSIONS Through this review, we gained a better understanding of the SM environment addressing skin cancer information, and we gained insight into the best practices by which SM could be used to positively influence the health care information ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla L Haff
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Cancer Prevention Research Training Program, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Madison M Taylor
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hayden P Schandua
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Cancer Prevention Research Training Program, Houston, TX, United States
| | - David P Farris
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hung Q Doan
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kelly C Nelson
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Bravo CA, Walker MJ, Papadopoulos A, McWhirter JE. Social media use in HPV-, cervical cancer-, and cervical screening-related research: A scoping review. Prev Med 2024; 179:107798. [PMID: 38065338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In response to the World Health Organization's global call to eliminate cervical cancer, many countries have targets to implement human papillomavirus (HPV) primary screening. Social media may offer opportunities to promote uptake of HPV screening. We aimed to describe the extent of the scientific literature regarding social media research on HPV, cervical cancer and cervical screening. METHODS Seven databases were searched for peer-reviewed English-language studies related to social media research and HPV, cervical cancer and cervical screening published up to November 2023. One reviewer completed the title/abstract screening and two reviewers independently reviewed full-text articles. Data extraction was carried out by one reviewer and verified by a second reviewer. Information such as the research topic, social media platform of interest, participant characteristics, methods, analysis type, outcome measures, and key findings were collected. RESULTS In the 58 articles included, researchers used social media in the following ways: evaluate content, recruit participants or disseminate a survey/questionnaire, disseminate health communication content, examine the relationship between social media use and outcomes, and to conduct experiments testing the effects of social media content on outcomes. Twitter and Facebook were the most common platforms mentioned. Four articles explicitly mentioned theory. CONCLUSIONS Opportunities for research are identified such as further exploration of how newer social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok can be used to share HPV content, examination of appropriate images for effective communication, and determining key features of social media content to promote information sharing and improve cervical screening knowledge, attitudes and behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Bravo
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Meghan J Walker
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Toronto, ON, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Shamseddine A, Chehade L, Al Mahmasani L, Charafeddine M. Colorectal Cancer Screening in the Middle East: What, Why, Who, When, and How? Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2023; 43:e390520. [PMID: 37163709 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_390520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Middle East is increasing, especially among those younger than 50 years. Risk factors including obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and dietary changes are associated with the epidemiologic shift and are a result of socioeconomic changes happening in the region. Worldwide, CRC screening is associated with decreased incidence and mortality of CRC, but screening uptake is still low in the Middle East because of cultural barriers and lack of awareness; in addition, most countries do not have national screening programs. Knowledge of CRC screening and participation rates vary among different countries, but overall they are low. Both primary and secondary prevention approaches are needed in the Middle East, and cost-effectiveness is important in choosing screening modalities. Although colonoscopy is considered the most robust screening method, stool-based testing may be an acceptable screening strategy in resource-limited settings, and focusing on high-risk individuals such as those with hereditary CRC might be the most cost-effective strategy. In addition to financial limitations in many countries in the Middle East, human displacement places an extra toll on cancer control strategies in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Shamseddine
- Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Laudy Chehade
- Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Layal Al Mahmasani
- Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maya Charafeddine
- Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
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Kakati R, Nakad Borrego S, Zareef R, Atallah J, Farhat S, Daye N, Sadek S, Bardus M. Dispensing and Purchasing Antibiotics Without Prescription: A Cross-sectional Study Among Pharmacists and Patients in Beirut, Lebanon. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2023; 60:469580231167712. [PMID: 37052170 PMCID: PMC10102940 DOI: 10.1177/00469580231167712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health issue, exacerbated by dispensing and purchasing antibiotics without a prescription, common in low- and middle-income countries, such as Lebanon. This study aimed to (1) describe behavioral patterns underpinning dispensing and purchasing antibiotics without a prescription among pharmacists and patients, (2) describe reasons for, and (3) attitudes toward these behaviors. A cross-sectional study targeted pharmacists and patients, respectively, identified through stratified random sampling and convenience sampling from all 12 Beirut quarters. Questionnaires assessed behavioral patterns, reasons for, and attitudes toward dispensing and purchasing antibiotics without prescription among the 2 samples. A total of 70 pharmacists and 178 patients were recruited. About a third (37%) of pharmacists supported dispensing antibiotics without a prescription, considering it acceptable; 43% of patients report getting antibiotics without a prescription. Reasons for distributing and purchasing antibiotics without prescription include financial costs associated with the drugs and convenience, coupled with inexistent law enforcement. Dispensing antibiotics without prescription was shared among a relatively high proportion of pharmacists and patients residing in Beirut. Dispensing antibiotics without prescription is common in Lebanon, where law enforcement needs to be stronger. National efforts, including anti-AMR campaigns and law enforcement, must be rapidly implemented to avoid the double disease burden, especially when old and new vaccines are available, and superbugs are making preventative public health efforts more difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rana Zareef
- American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | | | - Nahla Daye
- American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Marco Bardus
- American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Fadhil I, Alkhalawi E, Nasr R, Fouad H, Basu P, Camacho R, Alsaadoon H. National cancer control plans across the Eastern Mediterranean region: challenges and opportunities to scale-up. Lancet Oncol 2021; 22:e517-e529. [PMID: 34735820 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(21)00410-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
National cancer control planning is crucial for countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region. This region is challenged with an increase in cancer incidence leading to substantial disease burden, premature deaths, and increasing health-care costs in most countries. Huge inequity in cancer control planning and implementation exists between and within the countries. Over half of the countries (12 [55%] of 22) have standalone comprehensive National Cancer Control Plans and six (27%) have non-communicable disease plans that include cancer. The implementation of cancer plans has common challenges related to weak governance structure, few coordination mechanisms within countries, and inadequate human and financial resources. In most countries, the plan is not costed. Yet, the majority of countries (20 [91%]) reported having fully or partially funded plans. Additionally, political instability and conflicts affecting over half of the countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region have enormously affected cancer planning and implementation, both among the affected countries and those that host large numbers of refugees. In this Policy Review, we used the WHO regional framework for action on cancer to systematically analyse the status of cancer control planning and implementation across the six domains of cancer control, from prevention to palliation. We highlight the gaps, and the opportunities for bridging these gaps, to achieve scale-up on implementation of cancer control programmes in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibtihal Fadhil
- The Eastern Mediterranean NCD Alliance, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
| | - Eman Alkhalawi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Cancer Survival Group, Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rihab Nasr
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Naef K Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Heba Fouad
- NCD Surveillance Unit, WHO, Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Partha Basu
- Early Detection, Prevention, and Infections Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO, Lyon, France
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Hatem G, Ghanem D, Kellen E, AlZaim I, Goossens M. Knowledge and Beliefs of Cancer Risk Factors and Early Cancer Symptoms in Lebanon: A Cross-sectional Survey Among Adults in the Community. Cancer Control 2021; 28:10732748211053149. [PMID: 34706582 PMCID: PMC8558592 DOI: 10.1177/10732748211053149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lebanon has an increasing cancer burden. Sufficient knowledge of cancer risk factors and early cancer symptoms can help lower cancer burden by facilitating primary prevention and early diagnosis. This study (i) assessed Lebanese adults’ knowledge and beliefs of cancer risk factors and early cancer symptoms, (ii) analyzed whether knowledge was correlated with personal behavior, and (iii) assessed the presence of barriers that keep knowledge from turning into healthcare seeking behavior. Methods We performed a cross-sectional survey in the Lebanese adult population, consisting of a questionnaire administered during face-to-face interviews on a community-based non-probability sample (n = 726) that was frequency matched to national government estimates on age, level of education and gender. Results Recognition was high for carcinogens and protective factors (75%), but low for neutral factors (22%) which were often seen as carcinogenic. A quarter of participants (27.8%) could not name any early warning signs. For some risk factors, high knowledge scores were correlated with low-risk behavior, but this was not the case for cigarette smoking. The most frequent barriers for not seeking timely care were financial (57.0%) fear of finding illness (53.7%), and having other things to worry about (42.4%). Conclusion This study revealed important knowledge gaps which are likely to hamper primary prevention and early diagnosis. However, we also showed that high knowledge of risk was not always correlated with low-risk behavior. This, together with the barriers we found that kept people from seeking timely health care, emphasizes that efforts to lower cancer burden should not only focus on increasing knowledge.
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