Abstract PS1-04-01: Misguided Relief: Prevalence and Patterns of Symptom Management Misinformation for Breast Cancer on Instagram

Abstract Background: Patients with breast cancer (BC) often experience a range of treatment-related symptoms that significantly impact quality of life. Social media platforms such as Instagram have become popular sources of health information, including guidance on symptom management. However, unregulated nature of these platforms enables the rapid dissemination of health-related misinformation, which can influence patient behavior and decision-making. Despite this growing concern, limited data exist on the scope and nature of symptom-related misinformation in the context of BC. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, characteristics, and engagement patterns of misinformation related to BC symptom management on Instagram. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional content analysis of publicly available Instagram posts to evaluate the prevalence and nature of misinformation related to symptom management in BC. Searches using breast cancer-related and symptom-specific hashtags (e.g., #cancerfatigue) were conducted between June 17-28, 2025. To reduce algorithmic bias, searches were done in incognito mode. Posts were eligible if in English, publicly accessible, referenced symptom management in the context of BC, and made a therapeutic claim. Posts unrelated to cancer or lacking health-related content were excluded. For each symptom, the first 30-50 eligible posts were included.For each post, data were extracted on symptom category, misinformation classification (accurate, misleading, false, or unproven), perceived risk level (none to high), creator type, emotional tone, follower count, engagement (likes/comments), and presence of promotional links. Two independent coders reviewed each post. Descriptive statistics summarized misinformation prevalence and engagement patterns. Thematic analysis of captions identified narratives conveying misinformation. Results: A total of 328 Instagram posts referencing BC symptom management were included, categorized by symptom: fatigue (n = 46), brain fog (n = 45), hair loss (n = 46), nausea (n = 48), neuropathy (n = 51), cancer pain (n = 44), and insomnia (n = 48). Misleading content was the most prevalent, comprising 55.2% posts (n = 181), while accurate information was infrequent, with only 22.8% posts (n = 75). Thematic analysis revealed that approximately 30% of posts referenced evidence-based interventions, while 50% promoted non-evidence-based therapies, such as “magic juices,” Ayurvedic cures, and commercial programs claiming to eliminate treatment side effects. Additionally, 20% of posts offered oversimplified advice, such as using ginger for nausea or turmeric for recurrence prevention. The predominant emotional tones were neutral (42%, n = 138) and hopeful (40%, n = 132). Commercial intent was noted in more than half of the posts (53%,n = 174).Despite 64% (n = 210) accounts having >1,000 followers, overall engagement was low, with 82% (n = 269) of posts receiving <100 likes and <30 comments. Additionally, 48.4% of the creators were influencers, compared to healthcare professionals, who comprised only 15%. Conclusion: Among Instagram posts addressing BC symptom management, misinformation was highly prevalent, with over half the content categorized as misleading and fewer than one-quarter considered accurate. Commercial intent was common, and non-medical influencers, rather than healthcare professionals, created a significant proportion of posts. Despite many accounts having large followings, overall user engagement remained low. These findings highlight the risk of widespread exposure to low-quality health information and underscore the need for greater engagement by oncology professionals and institutions to promote accurate, evidence-based content on social media platforms. Citation Format: J. Hundal, A. Loomba, M. Mody, N. Lopetegui-Lia. Misguided Relief: Prevalence and Patterns of Symptom Management Misinformation for Breast Cancer on Instagram [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS1-04-01.