Skin cancer on Instagram: implications for adolescents and young adults
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Corey H. Basch
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Grace C. Hillyer
Abstract
Given the popularity and reach of Instagram among American adolescents and young adults (AYA), the well-known influence of social media on the behaviors of youth, and the rising rates of melanoma in this age group, this study sought to examine and describe the content of a sample of Instagram posts related to skin cancer. At three different times, a search of Instagram was conducted using #skincancer as the hashtag. Descriptive analyses of Instagram characteristics and content was performed. Overall, content focused on prevention (33.3%), skin cancer treatment (29.3%) and preventive measures such as using sunscreen and protective gear (29.3%). Nearly one-quarter discussed the ABCDEs (Asymmetrical; Borders are irregular; Color is not even; Diameter is large; Evolving) of screening and detection. Instagram postings that covered skin cancer prevention (n = 50, 33.3%) more often discussed the role of sun exposure in the development of skin cancer (28.0% vs. 10.0%, p = 0.005) and use of sunscreen and protective gear (62.0% vs. 13.0%, p < 0.001). The findings of this study indicate that a considerable portion of the Instagram posts included in this study focused on prevention. Thus, indicating that Instagram could be used to promote health, particularly among AYA.
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Funding: None declared.
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Conflicts of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.
References
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© 2020 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
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Artikel in diesem Heft
- Frontmatter
- Editorial
- Adverse effects of stimulant medications in children and adolescents: focus on sleep and growth disturbances
- Review
- Psychological pain and risk of suicide in adolescence
- Original Articles
- Practices, attitudes and barriers faced by internists and pediatricians in transitioning young adult patients to adult medicine
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- The impact of obesity on self-esteem and academic achievement among university students
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- Peer victimization, depression, and sexual risk behaviors among high school youth in the United States: a gender-based approach
- Clinical profile and care pathways among unaccompanied minor asylum seekers in Vaud, Switzerland
- The effect of child-parent relationship therapy on social skills of Preschool Children: a semi-experimental study
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- Skin cancer on Instagram: implications for adolescents and young adults
