Abstract
AimSocial media (SM) can provide information and medical knowledge to patients. Our aim was to review the literature and web-based content on SM that is used by Colorectal Cancer (CRC) patients, as well as surgeons’ interaction with SM.MethodStudies published between 2006 and 2016 were assessed. We also assessed the impact of several hashtags on Twitter with a freeware (Symplur).ResultsNine studies were included assessing Twitter (78%), Forums/Cancer-survivor networks (33%), and Facebook (22%). Aims included use of SM by CRC patients (67%), cancer-specific usage of SM with different types of cancer (44%), content credibility (33%), and influence in CRC awareness (33%). Prevention was the most common information that CRC patients looked for, followed by treatment side-effects. Only 2% of CRC SM users are doctors. SM use by colorectal consultants was suboptimal. Only 38% of surgeons had a LinkedIn account (most with less than 50 connections), and 3% used Twitter. A steep increase of tweets was observed for searched Hashtags over time, which was more marked for #ColonCancer (+67%vs+38%, #Coloncancer vs #RectalCancer). Participants engaged with colon cancer increased by 85%, whereas rectal cancer ones increased by 29%. The hashtag ‘#RectalCancer’ was mostly tweeted by colorectal surgeons. The official twitter account of American Society of Colorectal Surgeons (@fascrs_updates) was the most active account.ConclusionCRC patients and relatives are increasingly engaging with SM. CRC surgeons’ participation is poor, but we confirm a trend toward a greater involvement. Most SM lack of authoritative validation and the quality of shared content still is largely anecdotic and not scientifically evidenced-based. However, SM may offer several advantages over conventional information sharing sources for CRC patients and surgeons, and create connections with mutual enrichment.
Highlights
Social Media (SM) have revolutionized medical practice
The aim of this study is to address how patients diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer (CRC) interact with SM, and to assess the engagement of CRC surgeons, by means of a systematic review of the literature and online SM analytic software
We found that most CRC patients used Facebook, Twitter, or both, whereas a lower proportion of them prefer more confidential SM, such as dedicated cancer online forums or even private emails
Summary
Social Media (SM) have revolutionized medical practice. Most people currently hold an account in available SM, and the use of SM by scientific medical societies and organisations is rapidly growing over the last years.It has been estimated that over 1.5 billion people use SM, and 80% of them are interacting actively on, at least, a monthly basis [1]. Social Media (SM) have revolutionized medical practice. Most people currently hold an account in available SM, and the use of SM by scientific medical societies and organisations is rapidly growing over the last years. It has been estimated that over 1.5 billion people use SM, and 80% of them are interacting actively on, at least, a monthly basis [1]. The most used SM by surgeons and patients include Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, which range from private/social to business-oriented contents. SM allows a variable degree of interactions, and has the potential to provide patients with information concerning their disease. Concerns have been raised about the scientific soundness of available content, and doctors’ involvement in SM interactions and development
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
