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Cancer Information Seeking in the Digital Age

Author

Listed:
  • Seth M. Noar
  • Benjamin M. Althouse
  • John W. Ayers
  • Diane B. Francis
  • Kurt M. Ribisl

Abstract

Objective . This study used digital surveillance to examine the impact of Angelina Jolie’s prophylactic mastectomy announcement on cancer information seeking. Methods . We analyzed 4 categories of breast cancer–related Internet search queries from 2010 to 2013 in the United States. Results . Compared with the preceding 6 weeks, general information queries were 112% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79–146) higher the day of the announcement and remained 35% (95% CI, 22–49) higher over the week after the editorial. Risk assessment queries were 165% (95% CI, 110–222) higher the day of the announcement and 52% (95% CI, 31–75) higher across the week. Genetics and treatment queries showed little volume before the announcement but increased 2154% (95% CI, 1550–7076) and 9900% (95% CI, 3196–1,064,000) the day of, respectively, and remained higher across the week (812% [95% CI, 402–3913] and 2625% [95% CI, 551–317,000]). All query categories returned to normal volumes by the beginning of the second week. Conclusion . Jolie’s unique announcement spurred significant information seeking about breast cancer genetic testing and treatment procedures, although the surge in queries returned to preannouncement levels after 1 week. Future research should apply digital methods to advance our understanding of cancer information seeking in the digital age.

Suggested Citation

  • Seth M. Noar & Benjamin M. Althouse & John W. Ayers & Diane B. Francis & Kurt M. Ribisl, 2015. "Cancer Information Seeking in the Digital Age," Medical Decision Making, , vol. 35(1), pages 16-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:medema:v:35:y:2015:i:1:p:16-21
    DOI: 10.1177/0272989X14556130
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lane, D.S. & Polednak, A.P. & Burg, M.A., 1989. "The impact of media coverage of Nancy Reagan's experience on breast cancer screening," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 79(11), pages 1551-1552.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sarah C. Vos & Jeannette Sutton & Yue Yu & Scott Leo Renshaw & Michele K. Olson & C. Ben Gibson & Carter T. Butts, 2018. "Retweeting Risk Communication: The Role of Threat and Efficacy," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 38(12), pages 2580-2598, December.
    2. Finnegan, Amy, 2020. "Effects of a sister's death in childbirth on reproductive behaviors: Difference-in-difference analyses using sisterhood mortality data from Indonesia," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 250(C).

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