For today’s cancer patients and survivors, social media has become much more than a place to stay connected with family and friends. It is increasingly a source of medical information, emotional support, and practical advice. While this trend creates exciting opportunities to educate and empower patients, it also presents significant risks when inaccurate or misleading information spreads online.
A new nationally representative study published in JAMA examined how American adults use social media for health information and offers important lessons for the Exercise Oncology community.
Social Media Is Now a Major Source of Health Information
Researchers analyzed responses from more than 7,200 adults participating in the 2024 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), representing approximately 262 million Americans.
Among social media users:
- Nearly 85% shared or discussed health-related information.
- About 70% participated in online health communities.
- More than 1 in 5 reported making health decisions based on information found on social media.
- Yet almost 80% believed much of the health information on social media was false or misleading.
This paradox is striking. Many people recognize that misinformation exists, yet they still allow what they read online to influence important health decisions.
Why This Matters for Cancer Patients
Cancer patients often search for answers between clinic visits. They seek advice about:
- Exercise during chemotherapy
- Nutrition
- Fatigue management
- Lymphedema
- Weight management
- GLP-1 medications
- Complementary therapies
- Long-term survivorship
Unfortunately, social media algorithms reward engagement—not scientific accuracy. Dramatic personal stories, miracle cures, and unsupported claims often receive more attention than evidence-based recommendations.
For individuals facing a life-changing cancer diagnosis, this creates both opportunity and danger.
Exercise Oncology Has an Important Role
This study is not specifically about Exercise Oncology, but its implications are highly relevant.
Exercise Oncology is supported by decades of carefully conducted clinical research demonstrating that appropriately prescribed exercise can:
- Reduce cancer-related fatigue
- Improve cardiovascular fitness
- Preserve muscle mass
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Improve quality of life
- Increase physical function
- Help many survivors tolerate treatment more successfully
- Potentially improve long-term outcomes for several cancers
These evidence-based recommendations deserve far greater visibility on social media than they currently receive.
CancerFitness.org Can Help Bridge the Gap
Rather than avoiding social media, organizations dedicated to Exercise Oncology should embrace it responsibly.
CancerFitness.org can become a trusted source by:
- Translating new research into understandable language
- Correcting misinformation with scientific evidence
- Producing short educational videos and infographics
- Highlighting ACSM, ACS, NCCN, and other evidence-based guidelines
- Encouraging patients to discuss online information with their oncology team before making treatment decisions
Patients increasingly expect trustworthy health information where they already spend their time—online.
The Future of Exercise Oncology Includes Digital Education
The future of cancer care extends beyond hospitals and clinics. Every day, millions of patients search social media for answers to questions about exercise, nutrition, survivorship, and recovery.
If Exercise Oncology professionals do not actively participate in these conversations, misinformation will continue to fill the void.
This study serves as an important reminder that providing scientifically accurate, patient-friendly digital education is now an essential component of comprehensive cancer care.
Call to Action
At CancerFitness.org, we believe every cancer patient deserves access to trusted, evidence-based information about the life-changing benefits of Exercise Oncology. Follow our blog, share our educational resources, and help us replace misinformation with science. Together, we can empower patients to make informed decisions that improve health, enhance survivorship, and promote longer, healthier lives.
Reference: Use of Social Media for Health Information Among US Adults. Research Letter. Aline F. Pedroso, PhD, Lovedeep S. Dhingra, MBBS, MHS, Mariam Khan, BS, Madeleine Carter, BS, Arya Aminorroaya, MD, MPH, and Rohan Khera, MD, MS. JAMA Published online June 30, 2026. doi:10.1001/jama.2026.8682
