A videosharing social networking intervention for young adult cancer survivors

Clinicians interested in taking a proactive approach to healthy cancer survivorship might consider the use of a social networking and videosharing platform tailored specifically for young adult cancer survivors. This study examines six key factors that may influence a childhood cancer survivor’s participation in a social networking and videosharing intervention program tailored to their needs: (1) the individual’s social capital, defined as resources accessed by individuals through a broad range of social connections, (2) social support, (3) family interaction, (4) self-efficacy, (5) depression, and (6) self-reported quality of life. Fourteen healthy childhood cancer survivors participated in a social networking and videosharing intervention program, LIFECommunity, over a period of 6 months. Young adult cancer survivors with weak “bonding” social capital with other cancer survivors, little social support from friends and family, and lower family interaction participated in the social networking intervention more than those with stronger social capital and larger bases of support. The findings suggest that cancer survivors used the social network as a way to fulfill needs that were not being met in their “offline” lives. The study provides a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to the success of social networking interventions for young cancer survivors.

► We designed a social network program tailored to childhood cancer survivor’s needs.
► Six factors influenced a childhood cancer survivor’s participation in an intervention.
► Bonding social capital and social support were correlated with low participation.
► Low family interaction was correlated with participation.
► Cancer survivors used the social network to fulfill unmet needs in offline lives.