A novel system to provide information via online YouTube videos and an evaluation of current online information about hereditary breast cancer

Abstract

Background: The internet is a popular source of health information, and YouTube is a popular platform for sharing health-related content. However, the quality and accuracy of online health information are concerning. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of current hereditary breast cancer information on YouTube and compare with the content produced by the nonprofit organization, BC Tube. Methods: Fifty-two videos, including five videos about hereditary breast cancer, were produced by BC Tube after peer-review by multiple medical professionals as well as review by non-medical personnel. A YouTube search using the Japanese keywords “hereditary breast cancer” and "HBOC" was conducted, and the top 100 videos were screened. The videos characteristics were analyzed. The content was evaluated using the PEMAT and DISCERN quality criteria. Results: Eighty-five eligible videos were included in the analysis, and 50.6% were provided by public-interest organizations/companies, followed by hospitals/governments (21.2%), individual physicians (8.2%), breast cancer survivors (7.1%), and others (7.1%). Videos from public-interest organizations/companies showed the highest view counts, followed by BC Tube. The average video length tended to be shorter for BC Tube, individual physician, and cancer survivor videos. Public-interest organizations/companies received more like counts, followed by BC Tube. Conclusions: Reliable, easy-to-understand, and widely recognized online medical information is needed. The popularity of videos does not always correspond to their quality, emphasizing the importance of quality evaluation. BC Tube provides a peer-reviewed platform to disseminate high-quality health information. We need to develop high-quality online health information and encourage the promotion of evidence-based information on YouTube.