“It is more than just Sunscreen”: Analyzing skin cancer narratives on Instagram (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Basma Gomaa ◽  
Rebecca Fagen Houghton ◽  
Nicole Crocker ◽  
Eric Walsh-Buhi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
The United States ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Cancer Risks ◽  
Cancer Society ◽  
Social Media Platforms

BACKGROUND Skin cancer is among the deadliest forms of cancer in the United States. The American Cancer Society reported that 3 million skin cancer cases could be avoided every year if individuals are more aware of the risk factors related to sun exposure and other forms of prevention. Social media platforms may serve as potential intervention modalities that can be employed to raise public awareness of several diseases and health conditions, including skin cancer. Social media platforms are efficient, cost-effective tools for health-related content to reach a broad number of individuals who are already using the spaces in their day-to-day personal lives. In 2010, Instagram was launched, and it is now utilized by 1 billion users, of which 90% are under the age of 35 years. Despite previous research highlighting the potentiality of image-based platforms in skin cancer prevention and the popularity of Instagram to raise awareness, yet there is still a lack of studies describing skin cancer-related content on Instagram. OBJECTIVE The current study aims to describe skin cancer-related content on Instagram, including the origin (i.e., source characteristics) and attributes of these social media posts (i.e., content characteristics). The study also seeks to reveal content themes in terms of skin cancer risks, treatment, and prevention. METHODS Through Crowdtangle, a tool owned and operated by Facebook, which tracks engagement of the publicly available content on Facebook pages, subreddits, and Instagram accounts, we retrieved content from publicly available accounts on Instagram for the 30 days preceding May 14, 2021. Out of 1,000 posts reviewed, N=592 (59.2%) met the inclusion criteria and were human coded and analyzed. Two raters coded the posts independently. RESULTS Profiles representing organizations were slightly more common than individual accounts: n=321 vs 256 (54% vs 43%). The type of media included in the posts varied, with posts containing photos occurring more frequently (n=315, 53%), compared to posts containing infographics (n=233, 39%), or videos (n=85, 14%). Melanoma was the most mentioned type of skin cancer (n=252, 43%). Prevention methods were discussed in Instagram posts more often than risk factors (n=404, 68%) vs (n=271, 46%). Only 80 out of 592 posts (14%) provided a citation from a medical source. CONCLUSIONS This study’s findings highlight the potential role of Instagram as a platform for improving awareness of skin cancer risks and the benefits of prevention practices. We believe social media is the most promising venue for researchers and dermatologists to dedicate their efforts and presence in widely reaching the public to educate about skin cancer and empower prevention.

Hugh Jackman vs. Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Promoting Public Interest in Basal Cell Carcinoma (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor Torgerson ◽  
Jennifer Austin ◽  
Jam Khojasteh ◽  
Matt Vassar
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Basal Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Basal Cell ◽  
Moving Average ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average

BACKGROUND Public awareness for BCC is particularly important, as its major risk factors — increased sun exposure and number of sunburns — are largely preventable. OBJECTIVE Determine whether social media posts from celebrities has an affect on public awareness of basal cell carcinoma. METHODS We used Google Trends to investigate whether public awareness for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) increased following social media posts from Hugh Jackman. To forecast the expected search interest for BCC, melanoma and sunscreen in the event that each celebrity had not posted on social media, we used the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) algorithm. RESULTS We found that social media posts from Hugh Jackman, a well-known actor, increased relative search interest above the expected search interest calculated using an ARIMA forecasting model. CONCLUSIONS Our results also suggest that increasing awareness by Skin Cancer Awareness Month may be less effective for BCC, but a celebrity spokesperson has the potential to increase awareness. BCC is largely preventable, so increasing awareness could lead to a decrease in incidence.

scholarly journals The Reach of the “Don’t Fry Day” Twitter Campaign: Content Analysis

10.2196/14137 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. e14137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Nguyen ◽  
Lauren Gilbert ◽  
Lianne Priede ◽  
Carolyn Heckman
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
National Council ◽  
Original Material ◽  
Self Interest

Background Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, disproportionately affecting young women. Since many young adults use Twitter, it may be an effective channel to communicate skin cancer prevention information. Objective The study aimed to assess the reach of the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention (NCSCP)’s 2018 Don’t Fry Day Twitter campaign, categorize the types of individuals or tweeters who engaged in the campaign, and identify themes of the tweets. Methods Descriptive statistics were used, and a content analysis of Twitter activity during the 2018 Don’t Fry Day campaign was conducted. The NCSCP tweeted about Don’t Fry Day and skin cancer prevention for 14 days in May 2018. Twitter contributors were categorized into groups. The number of impressions (potential views) and retweets were recorded. Content analysis was used to describe the text of the tweets. Results A total of 1881 Twitter accounts, largely health professionals, used the Don’t Fry Day hashtag, generating over 45 million impressions. These accounts were grouped into nine categories (eg, news or media and public figures). The qualitative content analysis revealed informative, minimally informative, and self-interest campaign promotion themes. Informative tweets involved individuals and organizations who would mention and give further context and information about the #DontFryDay campaign. Subthemes of the informative theme were sun safety, contextual, and epidemiologic information. Minimally informative tweets used the hashtag (#DontFryDay) and other types of hashtags but did not give any further context or original material in the tweets. Self-interest campaign promotion involved businesses, firms, and medical practices that would utilize and promote the campaign to boost their own ventures. Conclusions These analyses demonstrate the large potential reach of social media public health campaigns. However, limitations of such campaigns were also identified, for example, the relatively homogeneous groups actively engaged in the campaign. This study contributes to the understanding of the types of accounts and messages engaged in social media campaigns utilizing a hashtag, providing insight into the messages and participants that are effective and those that are not to achieve campaign goals. Further research on the potential impact of social media on health behaviors and outcomes is necessary to ensure wide-reaching implications.

scholarly journals The Reach of the “Don’t Fry Day” Twitter Campaign: Content Analysis (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Nguyen ◽  
Lauren Gilbert ◽  
Lianne Priede ◽  
Carolyn Heckman
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
National Council ◽  
Original Material ◽  
Self Interest

BACKGROUND Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, disproportionately affecting young women. Since many young adults use Twitter, it may be an effective channel to communicate skin cancer prevention information. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to assess the reach of the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention (NCSCP)’s 2018 <italic>Don’t Fry Day</italic> Twitter campaign, categorize the types of individuals or tweeters who engaged in the campaign, and identify themes of the tweets. METHODS Descriptive statistics were used, and a content analysis of Twitter activity during the 2018 <italic>Don’t Fry Day</italic> campaign was conducted. The NCSCP tweeted about <italic>Don’t Fry Day</italic> and skin cancer prevention for 14 days in May 2018. Twitter contributors were categorized into groups. The number of impressions (potential views) and retweets were recorded. Content analysis was used to describe the text of the tweets. RESULTS A total of 1881 Twitter accounts, largely health professionals, used the <italic>Don’t Fry Day</italic> hashtag, generating over 45 million impressions. These accounts were grouped into nine categories (eg, news or media and public figures). The qualitative content analysis revealed informative, minimally informative, and self-interest campaign promotion themes. Informative tweets involved individuals and organizations who would mention and give further context and information about the #DontFryDay campaign. Subthemes of the informative theme were sun safety, contextual, and epidemiologic information. Minimally informative tweets used the hashtag (#DontFryDay) and other types of hashtags but did not give any further context or original material in the tweets. Self-interest campaign promotion involved businesses, firms, and medical practices that would utilize and promote the campaign to boost their own ventures. CONCLUSIONS These analyses demonstrate the large potential reach of social media public health campaigns. However, limitations of such campaigns were also identified, for example, the relatively homogeneous groups actively engaged in the campaign. This study contributes to the understanding of the types of accounts and messages engaged in social media campaigns utilizing a hashtag, providing insight into the messages and participants that are effective and those that are not to achieve campaign goals. Further research on the potential impact of social media on health behaviors and outcomes is necessary to ensure wide-reaching implications.

scholarly journals Impact of Social Media on Skin Cancer Prevention

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 5002
Author(s):  
Henriette De La Garza ◽  
Mayra B. C. Maymone ◽  
Neelam A. Vashi
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
The Right ◽  
Media Interventions

Despite the increasing prevalence of social media usage in health care contexts, its impact on skin cancer prevention and awareness has not been largely investigated. We conducted a review of literature on this topic with the objective of summarizing and analyzing the role of social media in skin cancer and sun damage awareness and to identify the uses, benefits, and limitations of different social media platforms on skin cancer prevention. In today’s technological society, it is critical to understand and study the best form of communication. Specific platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok vary in originators of material, target demographics, messaging strategies, and reliability of information with regards to skin cancer, sun, and indoor tanning damage. Our results demonstrate that social media interventions have shown promise in skin cancer prevention and continue to escalate by the day. Dermatologists should keep pace with the latest dermatological content on social media and examine its evolution to target the right audience with the proper messages. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness and true impact of social media on meaningful and lasting behavior change for skin cancer prevention.

scholarly journals Survey of Sun Protection Policies in Juvenile Detention Centers in Pennsylvania: Are we also Protecting Vulnerable Communities?

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-84
Author(s):  
Christen Botros Samaan
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Juvenile Detention ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Detention Centers ◽  
Important Health ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Important Health Issue

The incidence rate of skin cancer is increasing in the United States and blistering sunburns during childhood or adolescence is a major risk factor. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed a set of guidelines to provide schools with a comprehensive approach to preventing skin cancer among adolescents and young people. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of sun protection policies, environmental features, and attitudes in institutions responsible for school-aged populations, such as children in juvenile detention centers. Surveys were sent to all (n = 19) public juvenile detention centers in Pennsylvania .Overall, 63.2% (n=12) of the juvenile detention centers in Pennsylvania responded to the survey. Of the 12 centers, 50% (n=6) allow residents to wear hats, 25% (n=3) allow residents to wear sunglasses, 66.7% (n=8) allow residents to wear sunscreen without a provider’s note, and 25% (n=3) provide sun protection education. All the facilities (100%) reported shade-producing structures, but 83.3% (n=10) cover less than 25% of the outdoor activity areas. The CDC’s guidelines include recommendations for schools to encourage skin cancer prevention on school property and elsewhere. Among public juvenile detention centers in PA, we found an absence of policies to reduce sun exposure and a lack of knowledge about the CDC guidelines to prevent skin cancer. Despite these results, administrators are largely in favor of stronger policies and believe sun exposure is an important health issue.

Kim Kardashian: the Leader of the Influencers

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laila Fariha Zein ◽  
Adib Rifqi Setiawan
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
The United States ◽  
Armenian Genocide ◽  
The Public ◽  
Self Defense ◽  
Global Commerce ◽  
The World ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
International Issues ◽  
Global Influence

In today’s world, it is easier and easier to stay connected with people who are halfway across the world. Social media and a globalizing economy have created new methods of business, trade and socialization resulting in vast amounts of communication and effecting global commerce. Like her or hate her, Kimberly Noel Kardashian West as known as Kim Kardashian has capitalized on social media platforms and the globalizing economy. Kim is known for two things: famous for doing nothing and infamous for a sex tape. But Kim has not let those things define her. With over 105 million Instagram followers and 57 million Twitter followers, Kim has become a major global influence. Kim has travelled around the world, utilizing the success she has had on social media to teach make-up master classes with professional make-up artist, Mario Dedivanovic. She owns or has licensed several different businesses including: an emoji app, a personal app, a gaming app, a cosmetics line, and a fragrance line. Not to be forgotten, the Kardashian family show, ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ has been on the air for ten years with Kim at the forefront. Kim also has three books: ‘Kardashian Konfidential’, ‘Dollhouse’, and ‘Selfish’. With her rising social media following, Kim has used the platforms to show her support for politicians and causes, particularly, recognition of the Armenian genocide. Kim also recently spoke at the Forbes’ women’s summit. Following the summit, Kim tweeted out her support for a recent movement on Twitter, #freeCyntoiaBrown which advocated for a young woman who claimed to have shot and killed the man who held her captive as a teenage sex slave in self-defense. Kim had her own personal lawyers help out Cyntoia on her case. Kim has also moved beyond advocating for issues within the confines of the United States. As mentioned earlier, she is known for advocating for recognition of the Armenian genocide. In the last two years, her show has made it a point to address the Armenian situation as it was then and as it is now. Kim has been recognized as a global influencer by others across the wordl. We believe Kim has become the same as political leaders when it comes to influencing the public. Kim’s story reveals that the new reality creates a perfect opportunity for mass disturbances or for initiating mass support or mass disapproval. Although Kim is typically viewed for her significance to pop culture, Kim’s business and social media following have placed her deep into the mix of international commerce. As her businesses continue to grow and thrive, we may see more of her influence on international issues and an increase in the commerce from which her businesses benefit.

A qualitative exploration of parental perceptions regarding children’s sun exposure, sun protection, and sunburn

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karlijn Thoonen ◽  
Liesbeth van Osch ◽  
Rowan Drittij ◽  
Hein de Vries ◽  
Francine Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Parental Perceptions ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Protection Measure ◽  
Sun Safety ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

Sun protection among children is of utmost importance since sunburn in early life is a major risk factor for skin cancer development. Because parents play a vital role in enhancing sun safety among children, this study explored parental perceptions concerning sun exposure, sun protection behaviors, and sunburn in children. Additionally, the context in which children experience sunburn in order to assist the development, optimization, and targeting of sun safety interventions for parents is revealed.A qualitative study design, using a semi-structured interview guide addressing several themes (e.g. sun exposure, sun protection, and sunburn experiences), was used. Data were collected in the Netherlands in the fall of 2019. Parents were recruited via purposive sampling at schools, youth services centers, and social media. In total, 26 interviews were performed. Execution, transcription, and coding of the interviews was done by two researchers, using the qualitative analyzing program Nvivo (interrater reliability of d =.84). Comprehensive findings concerning various themes were retrieved. It was found that sunburn was frequently prevalent among children, even though all parents reported using at least one sun protection measure. Parents were often unaware of their child’s sunburn and its severity. Regarding sun protection measures, parents demonstrated an overreliance on sunscreen, often failing to adequately protect their children’s skin. Water-related activities, a lack of shade, and lack of knowledge regarding UV-index were often related to sunburn. Moreover, unexpected sun exposure or longer exposure duration than initially planned were reported as challenging situations. The majority of parents had positive perceptions regarding tanned skin for both themselves as for children.This study provides directions for future skin cancer prevention efforts targeted at both parents and their children. Since a lack of knowledge regarding sufficient sun protection measures and sunburn occurrence in various situations was reported, educational efforts are warranted. Additionally, focusing on clothing, shade-seeking, and adequate sunscreen use is recommended to increase children’s sun safety. By intervening in the physical environment as well (e.g. providing shady areas), sun protection barriers can be reduced. Lastly, the general positive attitude toward tanned skin evident in this study is certainly worthy of attention in future interventions.

Identification of socio-cognitive determinants of parental sun protection behaviors to optimize intervention development

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karlijn Thoonen ◽  
Liesbeth van Osch ◽  
Rik Crutzen ◽  
Hein de Vries ◽  
Francine Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Action Planning ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Sun Safety ◽  
Cognitive Determinants

Background: Adequate sun safety during childhood is crucial for decreasing skin cancer risk in later life. Although parents are an essential target group in applying sun protection measures for their children, interventions are often not directed at parents. This study identifies the most relevant determinants in predicting parental sun protection intentions and behaviors to provide guidance for future intervention development.Methods: A longitudinal survey study with two measurements was conducted among Dutch parents (N=670) of children (4-12 years old). Twenty-seven socio-cognitive determinants were examined in terms of relevance regarding four parental sun protection behaviors in different sun exposure situations. The CIBER approach was used to visualize room for improvement (sample means) on all determinants and their association strengths (correlations) with sun protection intentions and behaviors.Results: Behavior-specific rather than generic determinants were most relevant in explaining all sun protection behaviors. Of these determinants, attitude, self-efficacy and action planning, and especially parental feelings of difficulty in performing sun protection behaviors, were most relevant. Altogether, the explained variance of all socio-cognitive determinants was highest for shade-seeking behavior (R2= .41 and .43) and lowest for supportive behavior (R2=.19 and .29) in both planned and incidental sun exposure situations respectively.Discussion: This study provides detailed insight into relevant socio-cognitive determinants of parental sun protection behaviors in various sun exposure situations. This insight provides guidance for composing parental skin cancer prevention interventions. Future composition of sun safety interventions should emphasize on enhancing parental feelings of self-efficacy, especially for shade-seeking and clothing behaviors.

A survey of Instagram users with asthma to evaluate the acceptability of a planned clinical trial intervention (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry Spitzer ◽  
Brent Heineman ◽  
Marcella Jewell ◽  
Michael Moran ◽  
Peter Lindenauer
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
College Education ◽  
The United States ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Hispanic White

BACKGROUND Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects nearly 25 million individuals in the United States. There is a need for more research into the potential for health care providers to leverage existing social media platforms to improve healthy behaviors and support individuals living with chronic health conditions. OBJECTIVE In this study, we assess the willingness of Instagram users with poorly controlled asthma to participate in a pilot study that uses Instagram as a means of providing social and informational support. In addition, we explore the potential for adapting photovoice and digital storytelling to social media. METHODS A survey study of Instagram users living with asthma in the United States, between the ages of 18 to 40. RESULTS Over 3 weeks of recruitment, 457 individuals completed the pre-survey screener; 347 were excluded. Of the 110 people who were eligible and agreed to participate in the study, 82 completed the study survey. Respondents mean age was 21(SD = 5.3). Respondents were 56% female (n=46), 65% (n=53) non-Hispanic white, and 72% (n=59) had at least some college education. The majority of respondents (n = 66, 81%) indicated that they would be willing to participate in the study. CONCLUSIONS Among young-adult Instagram users with asthma there is substantial interest in participating in a study that uses Instagram to connect participants with peers and a health coach in order to share information about self-management of asthma and build social connection.

scholarly journals Identification of Relevant Sociocognitive Determinants Explaining Multiple Parental Sun Protection Behaviors

2021 ◽  
pp. 109019812110104
Author(s):  
Karlijn Thoonen ◽  
Liesbeth van Osch ◽  
Rik Crutzen ◽  
Hein de Vries ◽  
Francine Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Sun Safety ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Insight Into

Background Adequate sun safety during childhood is crucial for decreasing skin cancer risk in later life. Although parents are an essential target group in applying sun protection measures for their children, insight into the determinants associated with their sun protection behaviors is limited. Aims This study aims to identify the most relevant determinants in predicting multiple parental sun protection intentions and behaviors in different sun exposure situations. Method A longitudinal survey study with two measurements was conducted among Dutch parents ( N = 670) of children (4–12 years old). Twenty-seven sociocognitive determinants were examined in terms of relevance regarding four parental sun protection behaviors in different sun exposure situations. The Confidence Interval-Based Estimation of Relevance approach was used to visualize room for improvement (sample means) on all determinants and their association strengths (correlations) with sun protection intentions and behaviors. Results Behavior-specific rather than generic determinants were most relevant in explaining all sun protection behaviors. Of these determinants, attitude, self-efficacy and action planning, and especially parental feelings of difficulty in performing sun protection behaviors, were most relevant. Altogether, the explained variance of all sociocognitive determinants was highest for shade-seeking behavior ( R2 = .41 and .43) and lowest for supportive behavior ( R2 = .19 and .29) in both planned and incidental sun exposure situations, respectively. Discussion This study provides detailed insight into relevant sociocognitive determinants of parental sun protection behaviors in various sun exposure situations and directions for composing parental skin cancer prevention interventions. Conclusions Future composition of sun safety interventions should emphasize on enhancing parental feelings of self-efficacy, especially for shade-seeking and clothing behaviors.

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