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Breast Cancer Patients Frequently Exposed to Misinformation, Survey Reveals
Three-quarters of breast cancer patients report encountering misinformation about their disease, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. Surprisingly, this exposure doesn’t appear to increase fears about cancer recurrence or decrease treatment adherence.
The cross-sectional survey, conducted by researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, included nearly 1,000 adults diagnosed with breast cancer within the past decade. Participants were recruited through Breastcancer.org between July and August 2023 via online platforms, social media, and email.
“We found no correlation between awareness of misinformation and cancer recurrence fears or treatment adherence,” explained study authors David Gibbes Miller, MD, and Kaitlyn Lapen, MD. They suggest this might be because patients don’t internalize all the misinformation they encounter or have competing health beliefs that more strongly influence their behavior.
Of the 997 participants surveyed, 76% reported encountering misinformation about breast cancer. The median age was 62, with most respondents being white (86%), married (75%), and college-educated (78%). Just over half (52%) were undergoing active cancer treatment at the time of the survey.
Misinformation about factors potentially increasing cancer risk was particularly common. Sixty-five percent of participants reported hearing false claims about factors that could increase cancer progression or recurrence risk. Sugar consumption topped the list at 61%, followed by deodorant use (22%), while cell phones, vaccines, and bra type were each cited by 8% of respondents.
The survey also revealed that 54% of patients had encountered misinformation about factors supposedly decreasing cancer risk. Organic food consumption was the most common false claim (41%), followed by oral vitamins or supplements (29%), consuming an alkaline diet or alkalized water (12%), and receiving vitamin infusions (7%).
Despite this pervasive misinformation, researchers found that 76% of respondents reported adhering to their prescribed treatments. Additionally, when measuring fear of cancer recurrence using the standardized Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form, the median score was 19, just below the threshold of 22 that indicates clinically significant fear. Only 38% of participants reported clinically significant fear levels.
Statistical analysis showed no significant association between exposure to cancer misinformation and clinically significant fear of cancer recurrence or treatment nonadherence.
This study comes amid growing concerns about health misinformation proliferating across social media and online platforms. Cancer patients, particularly those newly diagnosed, often turn to the internet for information about their condition, treatments, and prognosis, potentially exposing themselves to unverified claims.
The researchers acknowledged several limitations to their study. Recruitment through Breastcancer.org may have created a sample that doesn’t reflect individuals with less access to or interest in online communities. The survey assessed exposure to misinformation but didn’t evaluate information sources, participant beliefs, or intentions to act on misinformation.
Additionally, unmeasured factors, including health literacy, digital information-seeking behaviors, and baseline anxiety levels, could have influenced the findings. Fear of recurrence scores were only available for 70% of participants, potentially limiting the ability to identify associations between misinformation exposure and fear.
While the findings suggest patients may be more resilient to misinformation than previously thought, the authors emphasized that “strong survivorship education and communication is vital” given the rise in cancer misinformation.
The study was supported through the Cancer Center Support Grant from the National Cancer Institute. Several researchers disclosed receiving grants or consulting fees from pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers, though the funding organizations had no role in the design, conduct, analysis, or publication decisions of the study.
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13 Comments
This study sheds light on an important challenge facing breast cancer patients – navigating the wealth of online information, both accurate and inaccurate. The finding that misinformation exposure doesn’t significantly impact their treatment adherence is a positive sign.
The prevalence of breast cancer misinformation is troubling, but the finding that it doesn’t undermine treatment adherence is a silver lining. This speaks to the strength and resourcefulness of these patients in the face of uncertainty.
This study provides an interesting window into how breast cancer patients navigate the deluge of online information, both accurate and inaccurate. The resilience they demonstrate is commendable, though the underlying factors deserve further investigation.
Agreed. Understanding how patients develop the critical thinking skills to discern credible information from misinformation could inform efforts to better support them throughout their cancer journey.
The finding that misinformation exposure doesn’t correlate with increased recurrence fears or decreased treatment adherence is quite surprising. It suggests patients have well-developed coping mechanisms to navigate health-related misinformation online.
Agreed. The resilience of these patients in the face of misinformation is impressive. It speaks to the importance of empowering patients with credible information and critical thinking skills.
While the high rate of misinformation exposure is concerning, the finding that it doesn’t significantly impact treatment adherence is reassuring. It suggests patients are adept at separating fact from fiction when it comes to their health.
This study highlights the prevalence of breast cancer misinformation, but also the ability of patients to maintain focus on their treatment plan. It’s a nuanced issue that deserves further research to understand how misinformation impacts patient psychology and decision-making.
Absolutely. Exploring the specific mechanisms by which patients process and respond to misinformation could yield valuable insights to improve healthcare communication and support.
Fascinating study on a complex issue. The high rate of misinformation exposure is worrying, but the apparent resilience of patients is encouraging. Further research to unpack the nuances of this dynamic could yield valuable insights.
Absolutely. Gaining a deeper understanding of how patients process and respond to misinformation could inform more effective strategies for supporting them and empowering them with reliable, evidence-based information.
Interesting study on the impact of misinformation on breast cancer patients. It’s concerning that three-quarters encounter inaccurate claims, but reassuring that this doesn’t seem to significantly impact their treatment adherence or recurrence fears. Health literacy is crucial in these situations.
Yes, it’s good to see that patients are able to discern valid information from misinformation, even if they are frequently exposed to the latter. Education and critical thinking skills are key.