JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Social support is essential to promoting optimal health outcomes for women with breast cancer. However, an estimated 12% of women with breast cancer simultaneously experience intimate partner violence (IPV; physical, psychological, or sexual abuse by an intimate partner). Women who experience IPV during breast cancer may lack traditional social support, and thus seek out alternative sources of support. Online community forums, such as Reddit, can provide accessible social connection within breast cancer-specific communities. However, it is largely unknown how women with breast cancer use Reddit to describe and seek support for experiences of IPV.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore how breast cancer patients describe toxic relationships with their partners and immediate family members on Reddit.

Methods:

This exploratory, cross-sectional, topic-modelling study analyzed textual data from 96 users in the r/breastcancer subreddit in February 2023. The meaning extraction method, inclusive of principal component analysis, was used to identify underlying components. Components were subjected to sentiment analysis and summative content analysis with emergent categorical development to articulate themes.

Results:

Seven themes emerged related to toxic relationships: (1) Contextualizing storytelling with lymph nodes, (2) Toxic behaviour and venting emotions, (3) Abandonment and abuse following diagnosis, (4) Toxic relationships and social-related fears, (5) Inner strength and navigating breast cancer over time, (6) Assessing social relationships and interactions, and (7) Community advice and support. Toxic relationships were commonly characterized by isolation, abandonment, and emotional abuse, which had profound emotional consequences for patients. Reddit facilitated anonymous venting about toxic relationships which helped patients cope with intense feelings and stress. Exchanging advice and support about navigating toxic relationships during breast cancer were core functions of the r/breastcancer community.

Conclusions:

Findings emphasized the value of Reddit as a source of social support for breast cancer patients experiencing toxic relationships. Clinicians who understand that many breast cancer patients experience toxic relationships and considerable psychological sequelae are better prepared to support their patients’ holistic well-being. Recommending Reddit as a possible resource for advice, information, and support has potential to enhance clinical practice and subsequently, patient health outcomes.