Using Google Trends Data to Study Public Interest in Breast Cancer Screening in Malaysia

Mazlyfarina Mohamad,Hui Sin Kok

doi:10.31557/apjcp.2019.20.5.1427

Mazlyfarina Mohamad, Hui Sin Kok

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcp.2019.20.5.1427

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Abstract

Objective:This study aims to investigate the public pattern in seeking breast cancer screening information in Malaysia using Google Trends.Methods:The Google Trends database was evaluated for the relative Internet search popularity of breast cancer and screening-related search terms from 2007 to 2018.Results:Result showed downward trends in breast cancer search, whereas mammogram and tomosynthesis search fluctuated consistently. A significant increment was found during Pink October month. Breast cancer search term achieved the highest popularity in the east coast of Malaysia with [x2 (5, N=661) = 110.93, P<0.05], whereas mammogram attained the highest search volume in central Malaysia [x2 (4, N=67) = 18.90, P<0.05]. The cross-correlation for breast cancer was moderate among northern Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak (0.3 ≤ rs ≤ 0.7).Conclusion:Public interest trend in breast cancer screening is strongly correlated with the breast cancer awareness campaign, Pink October. Breast cancer screening should be promoted in the rural areas in Malaysia.

Highlights

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer that affects females worldwide and in Malaysia
This study aims to investigate the public pattern in seeking breast cancer screening information in Malaysia using Google Trends
“mammogram” searches presented a slightly upward trend, whereas “tomosynthesis” searches remained nearly constant throughout the study period

Summary

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer that affects females worldwide and in Malaysia. It comprises approximately 30.4% of all cancers in Malaysia. Studies have shown that the majority of breast cancer patients in Malaysia exhibit symptoms for the first time at a late stage (Ibrahim et al, 2012; Cheng et al, 2015; Saxena et al, 2012), thereby reflecting the necessity for increasing awareness and early detection of the disease among Malaysians. One of the challenges faced by the Ministry of Health of Malaysia is promoting interest in breast cancer screening, among high-risk women

Methods

Results

Conclusion