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Analysis of G-Med Physician Posts and Comments on the Topic of Skin Cancer

Topics/keywords: ‘skin cancer’, ‘melanoma’

Data types: posts, comments, likes, polls

Geographical segment: global physicians, physicians by region

Analyzed data points: 5,649

Specialties: Dermatology; Oncology; General Surgery

Countries analyzed: 60

Reach: 148,192

Introduction

This report presents a detailed analysis of physicians' discussions on the topic of skin cancer, based on data collected from the G-Med platform. The report explores the primary concerns and opinions expressed by physicians regarding skin cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. Key insights have been gathered through sentiment analysis and statistical evaluation of the topics discussed, highlighting geographical differences and trends in medical approaches. A keyword-based approach identified recurring concerns, and statistics were likewise compiled from post interactions (views, comments, and likes). Contrasting opinions on various concerns (e.g., in favor vs. against) were quantified and presented as percentages.


The findings provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges, innovations, and regional preferences of G-Med physicians in regards to skin cancer, shedding light on the sentiments and strategies favored by medical professionals.

Main Concerns of G-Med Physicians on the Topic of Skin Cancer

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  • Early Screening and Diagnosis (37% of physician discussions): Physicians emphasize the importance of biopsy techniques, dermatoscopy, and  AI-assisted diagnostics in detecting skin cancers.

o 67% of discussions focus on biopsy as the gold standard for early diagnosis, with some debate over accuracy and the need for complementary techniques.

o 21% highlight dermatoscopy as a valuable non-invasive screening tool.

  • 12% discuss AI and digital imaging tools for improving  accuracy, though some express concerns about accuracy and lack of       physician oversight.

  • Prevention Strategies (21%): Discussions emphasize the role of UV protection, public awareness campaigns, and skin self-examinations in reducing skin cancer incidence.

  • Rare Skin Cancers (17%): Challenges in diagnosing Merkel cell carcinoma and pediatric skin cancers are highlighted.

    • Physicians discuss the positive advancements in  specialized diagnostics and call for increased awareness and improved       early detection strategies.

  • Treatment Side Effects and Management (8%): Physicians discuss      the challenges of managing adverse effects of immunotherapy, chemotherapy,      and radiation. Discussions on this topic express confidence in current      management strategies, particularly in the role of personalized treatment  plans.

  • Advanced and Metastatic Cases (6%): Late-stage melanoma      presents a major challenge.

o 67% of discussions express optimism about new therapeutic options, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

  • 33% of discussions highlight concerns about the poor prognosis and limited treatment options for metastatic disease, particularly in resource-limited settings.

  • Immunotherapy and Targeted Treatments (5%): Debate continues      over the role of checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies in treating      advanced cases. Physicians emphasize the effectiveness of these therapies in improving survival rates and advocating for wider adoption.

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Key Points on Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up

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Prevention (21% of physician discussions)

  • Sun Protection and Behavioral Changes:

o 60% of discussions emphasize the importance of routine sun protection, with recommendations for daily sunscreen use, limiting direct sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak UV hours.

  • 40% of discussions focus on patient adherence challenges, noting that many individuals do not follow sun safety  recommendations despite physician guidance.

  • Public Awareness and Early Screening:

o 58% of discussions focus on the need for public education campaigns, especially targeting high-risk populations such as those with fair skin or a family history of skin cancer. Some physicians advocate for mandatory sun safety education in schools and broader public health interventions.

  • 42% discuss barriers to effective screening, including  lack of patient awareness and healthcare access disparities.

Diagnosis (51% of physician discussions)

  • Biopsy as the Most Reliable Diagnostic Tool:

o 74% of discussions emphasize biopsy as the primary method for diagnosis, though some physicians express concerns about the rate of false negatives.

  • 26% of discussions focus on biopsy limitations, particularly sampling errors and challenges in histopathology interpretation.

  • Non-Invasive Screening Strategies:

    • 63% of discussions highlight dermatoscopy as a  valuable tool for early skin lesion evaluation, particularly in distinguishing benign from malignant features and reducing unnecessary biopsies.

    • 37% discuss AI-enhanced imaging, with 89% of those       discussions supporting its use for early detection, while 11% warn against over-reliance on AI in future cases.

Treatment (38% of physician discussions)

  • Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Approaches (see Figure 2):

o 52% of discussions favor surgical excision as the most effective treatment for localized skin cancers.

  • 48% highlight the use of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and  targeted treatments, particularly for high-risk cases and depending on       diagnosis.

  • Immunotherapy: Physicians discuss the role of immunotherapy in metastatic melanoma.

o 54% of discussions highlight the benefits of immunotherapy, such as its ability to improve survival rates and reduce recurrence.

  • 46% of discussions express concerns about  long-term efficacy, financial burden, and accessibility, particularly in  developing regions.

  • Managing Treatment Side Effects: Concerns regarding fatigue, immune-related toxicities, and chronic skin reactions are widely      discussed.

o 58% of discussions focus on steroid-based interventions as an effective way to mitigate adverse effects.

  • 42% of discussions emphasize alternative symptom       management approaches, such as supportive care, hydration, and       personalized drug regimens.

Follow-Up (7% of physician discussions)

  • Patient Compliance and Follow-Up Care: Ensuring adherence to      post-treatment surveillance and screening schedules is a key issue.

o 67% of discussions cite poor follow-up adherence, noting that many patients delay or skip routine check-ups due to lack of symptoms or inconvenience.

  • 33% of discussions focus on strategies like digital reminders, patient education, and multidisciplinary follow-up teams to improve long-term monitoring.

  • Optimal Monitoring Strategies for Recurrence Detection: Physicians debate the best approaches to detect recurrent or residual disease, with most  physicians favoring imaging-based surveillance, with high-resolution dermatoscopy being the most widely discussed technique.

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Geographical Analysis of Physician Discussions on Skin Cancer

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Of the 60 countries analyzed, the following topics were discussed in prominent countries:

  • United States: Discussions focus on AI-driven diagnostics and the growing role of immunotherapy.

  • United Kingdom: Emphasizes government-backed screening programs and early intervention initiatives.

  • Germany: Leads in discussions about precision surgery and advanced imaging techniques.

  • France: Balances aggressive treatment approaches with quality of life considerations.

  • Canada: Concern over rising UV-related skin cancer rates and public awareness campaigns.

  • Australia: High focus on melanoma incidence due to sun exposure, with emphasis on preventative measures.

  • Brazil: Challenges related to limited access to advanced treatments in the public healthcare system.

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Engagement Recommendations:

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  • As can be seen from the report, there are some knowledge gaps on the topic of skin cancer, especially surrounding advanced cases and side effect management. An  awareness campaign could be beneficial in this case, as well as a  traffic-driving campaign in cases where there is a brand dot com.

  • G-Med's Awareness Package or Traffic-Driving Package could be a good fit here.

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