关于癌症与生育能力的在线讨论：对Reddit主题帖的分析

Online discussions about cancer and fertility: an analysis of Reddit threads.

作者信息

Cherven Brooke, Fitch Kayla D, Nijeboer Eline, Klosky James L, Lehmann Vicky

机构信息

Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.

Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.

出版信息

J Assist Reprod Genet. 2025 May 28. doi: 10.1007/s10815-025-03527-0.

DOI:10.1007/s10815-025-03527-0

PMID:40434704

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Young patients may search the Internet and consult online discussion platforms for health-related information. This can be useful and supportive, but also problematic if misinformation is spread. Fertility-related information in the context of cancer is complex and confounded by uncertainty, which can cause misunderstandings and unnecessary burden.

METHODS

Discussions on the online platform Reddit were searched and analyzed for questions around cancer and fertility. A mix of structured coding (e.g., number/types of questions) and qualitative analyses of user questions and comments were used to uncover salient content and interactions online.

RESULTS

A total of N = 149 relevant threads were identified, posted on three subreddits related to cancer and fertility. Posted questions aimed at seeking either information (57.7%, n = 86) or advice/support (42.3%, n = 63). Information-related questions focused on medical aspects (e.g., fertility status, assisted reproductive technologies [ART]), financial aspects (e.g., health insurance), or medical decision-making (e.g., ART, fertility assessments). Advice-related questions focused on the emotional impact of (possible) infertility (e.g., coping, burden of unsuccessful pregnancy attempts). Analyses of n = 20 comment sections revealed six themes within answers to information-related questions (e.g., personal experiences/stories to provide advice, offering explanations/ suggestions). These interactions typically occurred in a respectful and supportive tone of voice. While misinformation was infrequent, users sometimes derailed into subdiscussions unrelated to the initially posted question.

CONCLUSION

Online communities like Reddit offer a place where cancer patients/survivors may seek information and exchange ideas regarding their concerns in real time. Frequent topics of discussion can serve as areas of priority for developing educational and communication interventions in clinical care.

摘要

背景

年轻患者可能会在互联网上搜索并咨询在线讨论平台以获取与健康相关的信息。这可能是有用且有帮助的，但如果传播了错误信息，也会产生问题。癌症背景下与生育相关的信息复杂且充满不确定性，这可能会导致误解和不必要的负担。

方法

对在线平台Reddit上围绕癌症和生育的问题进行搜索和分析。采用结构化编码（如问题的数量/类型）与对用户问题及评论的定性分析相结合的方法，以揭示在线上的显著内容和互动情况。

结果

总共识别出N = 149个相关主题帖，发布在与癌症和生育相关的三个子版块上。发布的问题旨在寻求信息（57.7%，n = 86）或建议/支持（42.3%，n = 63）。与信息相关的问题集中在医学方面（如生育状况、辅助生殖技术[ART]）、财务方面（如健康保险）或医疗决策（如ART、生育评估）。与建议相关的问题集中在（可能的）不孕不育的情感影响（如应对方法、多次妊娠失败的负担）。对n = 20个评论区的分析揭示了与信息相关问题的答案中的六个主题（如提供建议的个人经历/故事、提供解释/建议）。这些互动通常以尊重和支持的语气进行。虽然错误信息不常见，但用户有时会偏离到与最初发布的问题无关的子讨论中。