Cancer misInformation Research among Caregivers and patiEnts (CIRCLE) study

Cancer misinformation (i.e., false, inaccurate or incomplete information) on social media will be examined with a special focus on adolescent and young adult cancer patients and their caregivers. Given the high use of social media by these cancer patients and their caregivers, cancer misinformation may influence their beliefs and attitudes in potentially serious ways. Making decisions based on misinformation could lead to poor health outcomes and decreased survival. 

Study phase: N/A

Basic eligibility criteria:
Please contact the study coordinator for additional eligibility information.

This study includes both cancer patients and their caregivers, such as family members or friends who help them during cancer. 

To be in this study individuals must meet the following criteria: 

  • Patients:
    • currently ages 15-39 years
    • diagnosed with cancer between ages 15-39 years
    • able to speak, read, and understand English
    • use social media at least weekly. 
  • Caregivers:
    • currently ages 18 or older
    • caring for a patient who is between ages 15-39 years, was diagnosed with cancer between ages 15-39 years and uses social media at least weekly.

Additional information:

Cancer misinformation on social media is defined as false, inaccurate, or incomplete information, rumors, ineffective alternative therapies, skepticism about medical guidelines, and misleading or untrue health-related advice. Misinformation is a growing public health concern that can cause great harm. Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients who are ages 15-39 years and their informal caregivers (family members or friends who provide unpaid care) frequently use social media to inform their decision-making throughout the cancer trajectory. AYAs use social media at higher levels than prior generations to seek information and social support, making these digital spaces potentially ripe for public health intervention. However, to develop technology-based psychosocial interventions in AYA oncology we need to understand the benefits (e.g., social support) and pitfalls (e.g., misinformation) that patients and caregivers experience when they use social media for cancer info

Primary disease category: Cancer

Secondary disease categories: Cancer

Sponsor: University of Arizona

Protocol number: PRDG Misinformation

Projected enrollment dates: August 2020 to August 2023

Official study title: The Cancer misInformation Research among Caregivers and patiEnts (CIRCLE) study