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Google Trends application for the study of information search behaviour on oropharyngeal cancer in Spain

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Abstract

Purpose

Oropharyngeal cancer is estimated to continue to increase in the next decades. Prevention strategies and knowing the current situation of knowledge and concern of the population about this disease is necessary. Infodemiology is valuable to monitor health information-seeking behaviour trends and epidemiology. The objective of this study is to analyze the use and evolution, through Google trends as a source of information, of internet-based information-seeking behaviour related to the oropharyngeal cancer in Spain and related to mass media stories.

Methods

Using Google Trends, the terms “throat cancer’, “HPV”, “laryngeal cancer”, “tonsil cancer” and “oral cancer”. The searches volume and trend were analyzed using a Jointpoint regression method from January 2009 to July 2019.

Results

The most searched term was “HPV”, with a search volume index of 61, followed by “throat cancer” (SVI = 25). The trend of the term “HPV” increased 6.1% annually (p < 0.000), with a linear correlation of both terms of 0.52 (p < 0.000). The greatest number of searches was carried out in the north of Spain, the most repeated query being “oral sex AND cancer”. A correlation between the news in the media and the increase in the volume of searches for the terms was found.

Conclusion

Any news stories, new interventions or aetiology related to oropharyngeal cancer can manifest as an increase in information-seeking behaviours for “throat cancer” on Google. Understanding healthcare information-seeking behaviour is essential in order to control and plan the quality of knowledge provided by health organisations, advocacy groups and health professionals regarding head and neck cancers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), As Xubias 84, 15006, A Coruña, Galicia, Spain

    Miguel Mayo-Yáñez

  2. Clinical Research in Medicine, International Center for Doctorate and Advanced Studies (CIEDUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain

    Miguel Mayo-Yáñez & Christian Calvo‑Henríquez

  3. Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain

    Christian Calvo‑Henríquez

  4. Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department, Hospital Universitario Donostia, 20014, Donostia, Euskadi, Spain

    Carlos Chiesa-Estomba

  5. Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine UMONS Research, Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMons), Mons, Belgium

    Jérôme R. Lechien

  6. Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Department, Hôpital Foch, Paris, France

    Jérôme R. Lechien

  7. Pediatrics Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), 15006, A Coruña, Galicia, Spain

    Lucía González-Torres

Authors
  1. Miguel Mayo-Yáñez
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  4. Jérôme R. Lechien
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Correspondence to Miguel Mayo-Yáñez.

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Mayo-Yáñez, M., Calvo‑Henríquez, C., Chiesa-Estomba, C. et al. Google Trends application for the study of information search behaviour on oropharyngeal cancer in Spain. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 278, 2569–2575 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-020-06494-7

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