Evaluating How Patients with Thyroid Cancer Use Online Resources and Social Media to Access Health Information

Young adults who encompass a great proportion of patients with thyroid cancer are widespread users of the internet and social media. This study aims to determine how thyroid cancer patients utilize online resources and their impact, with a focus on social media platforms. Between June and December 2023, patients with thyroid cancer receiving care at a tertiary cancer centre were offered the opportunity to complete a survey on their internet and social media use. The survey included 37 open- and closed-ended questions exploring demographics, internet and social media habits, and the utility of these platforms. A mixed-method analysis was used to assess the results. Of the 102 patients who agreed to participate, 55 patients returned the survey (54%). Almost all participants (98%) reported using the internet, with 91% utilizing it to obtain information on thyroid cancer. Less than half (42%) of the participants who used the internet accessed social media platforms for acquiring thyroid cancer information, with a trend of younger patients being more frequent users. YouTube was the most popular site (95%), followed by Facebook (38%). The most common topics searched were personal experiences with thyroid cancer (62%) and radioactive iodine therapy (58%). Social media users expressed it was useful (88%), increased their understanding of thyroid cancer (76%), and informed treatment decision-making (39%). Social media platforms, particularly YouTube, are becoming increasingly popular for accessing health information. Overall, patients perceive social media to be a beneficial tool that supports thyroid cancer education, facilitates personal connections, and increases accessibility to information.