J Cancer Educ. 2026 Jul 29. doi: 10.1007/s13187-026-02963-5. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Podcasts are increasingly popular for health education; however, the scope and characteristics of breast cancer podcasts remain poorly defined. This study evaluates the characteristics of breast cancer podcasts, aiming to inform patient education resources.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five podcasts from Apple and Spotify were identified using the term “Breast Cancer” after screening against pre-determined inclusion criteria. Each podcast was transcribed and analyzed using NVivo. Extracted variables included podcast demographics, podcaster characteristics, and podcast content. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were performed.
RESULTS: Mean podcast length was 47.2 min (SD 22.2; range 12-106 min) and mean age was 0.6 years (SD 1.25; range 1 day to 4 years). Most podcasts originated from the United States (86%); were affiliated with personal (62%) sources; included patient (64%) and physician presenters (54%); and were targeted toward patients (74%). Interview formats predominated (72%), with a mean of 4.4 topics addressed per podcast (SD 1.2). The most covered topic was disease understanding (88%) and treatment and management (88%) while prevention was covered the least (36%). Common themes included: Living With Uncertainty, Reclaiming Control Through Knowledge, Cancer as Disruption and Trauma, Finding Strength Through Connection, and Redefining Life Beyond Cancer.
CONCLUSION: Breast cancer podcasts are predominantly patient-oriented, interview-based, and produced by personal or nonprofit sources. They emphasize experiential narratives and psychosocial themes alongside clinical information. Findings support podcasts as an adjunct to traditional patient education and underscore the need for academic and healthcare institutions to improve content accuracy and reliability.
PMID:42527821 | DOI:10.1007/s13187-026-02963-5
