CN21 - Descriptive and content analysis of breast cancer vlogs on YouTube

Background

Vlogs, or “video blogs,” are personally-created experiential videos based on wide-ranging topics. Many women with breast cancer (BC) document their cancer experiences in YouTube vlogs. These may have the potential to serve as peer-to-peer support and provide community. This study provides a descriptive and content analysis of vlogs by women with BC.

Methods

YouTube was searched in incognito mode in 11/2023 using the search terms “breast cancer vlog.” A maximum of 10 videos/creator were included based on viewership and date created. Video characteristics collected included: title, length, number of views, likes, comments, and playlist inclusion. Videos were assessed for sponsorship, presence of explanation and discussion on BC, type of content, and themes. Creator characteristics included age, location, and engagement approaches. Descriptive and content analysis were performed.

Results

90 vlogs by 13 creators were included, all originating from personal accounts. Mean video length, number of views, and number of comments were 21.4 minutes (SD 9.1), 266,780 (SD 534,465), and 1485 (SD 3422), respectively. 38.9% included hashtags. 12.2% included paid sponsorships. Most common filming location was at home (96.7%), followed by the hospital (31.1%). 56.7% included visuals of treatment as well as physical findings. Creators addressed motivation for vlogging in 48.9%; the two most common reasons were wanting to build a community and helping others in a similar situation. In 46.7%, creators explicitly expressed emotion. Most common themes were treatment (85.6%), mental health (81.1%), side effects (72.2%), appearance (63.3%), and family relationships (36.7%). Subthemes included young age, finances, and the importance of online community support. Patient-directed advice was offered in 60.0%, mostly on treatment-related issues. In 56.7%, creators provided explicit treatment definitions. Chemotherapy was discussed in 70.0%; surgery in 57.8%, primarily mastectomy; radiation in 30.0%; general side effects in 71.1%. 24.4% were about a new diagnosis.

Conclusions

The dedication to building community demonstrated by vlog creators, and the personal nature of their storytelling, advice, and suggestions, may make these vlogs a potential resource for peer-to-peer support.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.