Characterization of the role of Facebook groups for patients who use scalp cooling therapy: a survey study.

Bibliographic Details
Title: Characterization of the role of Facebook groups for patients who use scalp cooling therapy: a survey study.
Authors: Rose, Lucy, Novice, Madison, Kobayashi, Sonja, Minta, Abena, Novice, Taylor, Sicco, Kristen Lo, Dulmage, Brittany
Source: Supportive Care in Cancer; Jun2024, Vol. 32 Issue 6, p1-9, 9p
Abstract: Since the emergence of scalp cooling therapy (SCT) for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA), support groups on social media platforms for interested patients have surfaced. Though there are over 20,000 active members across SCT Facebook groups, little is known about how members use this platform. A 23-question survey was posted in five scalp cooling Facebook groups, reaching 219 women. Results indicated that these Facebook groups play clear roles in providing the following: (1) a supportive community for patients, (2) instructions for SCT use, (3) advice regarding insurance coverage and reimbursement, and (4) recommendations for over-the-counter products for hair loss. Despite reported interest in hair loss products, only 5% of patients sought medical treatment from dermatologists. Due to group-specific access restrictions, private Facebook groups provide patients with a protected platform to learn more about SCT from both those with personal experience and SCT company specialists. Providers may consider recommending these online groups to interested patients during the scalp cooling counseling process. As patients with CIA express a growing interest in over-the-counter hair, eyebrow, and eyelash products, it is important for dermatologists to be aware of where their patients obtain recommendations, and further, if these recommendations have clinical evidence of efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Complementary Index
More Details
ISSN:09414355
DOI:10.1007/s00520-024-08534-y
Published in:Supportive Care in Cancer
Language:English