Examining social media use among parents of children with cancer

ABSTRACT Americans are increasingly using social media for health‐related communication. Facebook is the most widely used social media platform in the US. Much of the previous research on social media and health communication has focused on Facebook Groups related to a specific disease, or Facebook Pages related to an advocacy organization. However, less is known about how people communicate about health on personal Facebook Pages. In this study we expand upon previous research by examining the patterns of Facebook use among one unique population: parents caring for a child with cancer. We examined themes in cancer‐related exchanges through a content analysis of 12 months of data from 18 publically available Facebook Pages hosted by parents of children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (15,852 total posts). Four categories of health‐related Facebook usage emerged: documenting the cancer journey, (2) promoting awareness and advocacy about pediatric cancer, (3) sharing emotional strain associated with caregiving, and (4) mobilizing symbolic and instrumental forms of support. Our findings show that Facebook Pages offer a platform for people to share their cancer experiences, promote advocacy and awareness, and mobilize social support. Information professionals, particularly those who work with consumer and patient populations, should remain aware that social media platforms can provide layperson‐generated, user‐centered content that meets the informational, emotional, and logistical needs of caregivers and patients.