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Online searches for melanoma, skin cancer increase in summer

Online searches for the terms melanoma and skin cancer increased during each summer over a 5-year period, according to a recently published report.

Researchers used Google Trends to find data on Internet searchers for “skin cancer” (a lay term) and “melanoma” for each state between Jan. 1, 2010, and Jan. 1, 2014. Periods with greater interest in skin cancer were identified by plotting overall search volume indexes (SVIs) over time.

The association of skin cancer and melanoma SVI data from 2010 and the incidence, mortality and mortality to incidence ratios were evaluated using Pearson correlations. The 2011 US Cancer Statistics were used to determine incidence and mortality values.

Although searches increased during the summer for each of the 5 years studied, they remained stable overall during the same time. Melanoma and skin cancer searches were identical.

Although there was a significant correlation between skin cancer SVI and melanoma mortality in all states (R = 0.345, P = .01), there was no correlation between SVI and melanoma incidence (R = 0.061, P = .67).

The 2010 SVI data for the terms skin cancer and melanoma at the level of the individual states did not have a significant correlation with melanoma incidence and mortality. The top state by SVI for skin cancer was Nevada with an SVI of 100, while Pennsylvania was the top state by SVI for melanoma, also with an SVI of 100.

Melanoma mortality to incidence ratio did not display a significant correlation.

It was noted that a limitation in using Google Trends is that it only applies to the population with access to the Internet, which is estimated to be 87% of the U.S. population in March 2014.  The researchers also reported only searching for melanoma because nonmelanoma skin cancer data are not routinely reported in the U.S.

“Because the U.S. population seeks information regarding skin cancer at a greater level during the summer months, this might be the most effective time for educational and public health initiatives,” the researchers concluded.  – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.