Who Influences Cancer Conversations on Twitter?: A Comparative Surveillance of Cancer Communications

Abstract

In this study, we used social network analysis to compare the Twitter social networks of top five cancers in the United States (as ranked by the CDC) to determine the key influencers in cancer-related conversations. We find that organizations and groups geared toward patients that provide patient support, promote cancer awareness, cancer prevention and cancer management comprised up to 40% of influencers. Researchers (24%) and physicians (14%) were also found to be influential participants; the extent of influence varying by each cancer, being as high as 40% research influence for colorectal cancer. Notably, scientific organizations (JAMA, CDC_cancer, AACR) played a key role in conversations about colorectal cancer whereas patient-focused organizations played a greater influencing role in conversations about prostate cancer and skin cancer. This study shows that Twitter data can be a valuable source of cancer surveillance data, and has potential to influence policies, strategies, and research directions around each cancer.