Abstract
Purpose:
Among cancer patients, social media (SM) significantly influences the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population, serving as both an information source and a communication tool.
Patients and Methods:
In this multicenter study conducted across French cancer care institutions, we investigated the impact of SM on AYA patients’ perception of their disease during treatment. Participants completed a 20-item self-administered questionnaire, and data were descriptively analyzed.
Results:
A total of 108 patients (aged 18–29 years) were enrolled from 10 French centers over a 5-month period. For 59% (n = 64) of patients, time spent on SM increased after diagnosis, mainly due to boredom during treatment. Thirty-three percent (n = 36) shared their personal story on SM, which had a predominantly positive impact (providing support, relief, and meaning), although some experienced increased feelings of loneliness. Seventy percent (n = 76) searched for information about their disease on SM, which led to both positive (receiving answers) and negative (increased anxiety) effects. Notably, 43% (n = 33) of these patients did not verify the information with health care professionals.
Conclusion:
In this study, all AYA patients reported daily use of SM. Their engagement with SM is multifaceted, and health care providers must remain vigilant about potential negative consequences, such as misinformation, social isolation, and addiction. AYA cancer patients represent a unique population with specific psychosocial needs requiring tailored attention.
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