Celebrity Influence On Public Interest in Basal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Introduction Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent form of skin cancer. Major risk factors include sun exposure and sunburns. Thus, most cases are preventable. Increasing awareness of this disease could lower incidence rates. The primary objective was to evaluate relative internet search interest in basal cell carcinoma following events such as awareness campaigns and celebrity diagnoses. Methods We used Google Trends to assess public interest in BCC over time points such as celebrity public media posts, Skin Cancer Awareness Month (SCAM), and summer months between January 1, 2013 and June 8, 2018. We also performed a Google Trends analysis of Melanoma under the same search parameters for comparison. Results We identified social media posts about BCC from celebrities, specifically Hugh Jackman, were associated with increased internet search interest. Furthermore, while internet search interest in melanoma coincided with Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a similar effect was not observed for BCC. Conclusion Celebrities appear to play role in increasing awareness and interest in BCC, whereas SCAM did not produce the same effect. As a result, the Skin Cancer Foundation and dermatology community should know that awareness campaigns for BCC may be less effective. Having a celebrity spokesperson for such a campaign has the potential in increase awareness in this area. Because BCC is largely preventable, increasing awareness could lead to a decrease in incidence.