Analysis of oral cancer groups on Facebook

Objectives The purpose of this study was to characterise the purpose and use of Facebook groups related to oral cancer Methods A search of Facebook groups was carried out in July 2019 using the following terms: Oral cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, head and neck cancer, salivary gland cancer, mouth cancer Exclusion criteria were applied: non-English language groups and “secret groups”. Results Following the application of the exclusion criteria, a total of 147 groups related to oral cancer containing a total of 35,723 members were identified. Approximately a third (n=45) were created to promote awareness, 50 (34%) were support groups, 12 (8.2%) were for fundraising, 1 advertised another website and the remaining 40 groups (27.2%) were categorised as other/miscellaneous. A total of 62 (42.2%) groups were closed groups and 25 (17%) groups were deemed active. Of the groups identified as ‘active’, the majority were support groups (n=19) and 5 were awareness groups. 1 “other group” was also active. Conclusions While Facebook is considered a popular means of communication and of sharing information in the last number of years, it appears the topic of oral cancer remains a niche subject even on this platform; despite the presence of 147 groups related to this topic on the website, there are only a total of 25 active groups, 19 of which are support groups and 5 of which are awareness groups. Further research is required in order to ascertain the implications of use of such groups as a health resource.