Targeted Social Media to Expand Mesothelioma Knowledge

Mesothelioma knowledge is important, information is power, and more and more people receive the bulk of their information from social media. Mesothelioma researchers are using social media to inform people exposed to asbestos about their risks, as well as to let those already diagnosed with the disease know about clinical trials and new treatment options.

There is also hope that as more people become aware of mesothelioma and various treatments, the odds of finding a cure rise.

Boosting the Survival Rate

Disseminating more information about mesothelioma to those exposed to asbestos or diagnosed with this rare cancer may help improve survival rates. Already, many patients stricken with mesothelioma are living longer than the typical survival time of two years after diagnosis.

More information about mesothelioma symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis, which also improves survival rates.

Clinical Trials

Perhaps the most critical use of social media for mesothelioma victims is the spread of information regarding clinical trials to eligible patients. Nationwide, less than 5 percent of those diagnosed with any form of cancer participate in a clinical trial for new drugs or therapies. Because the number of people diagnosed with mesothelioma is relatively small, mesothelioma trials are most often done using data collection, not actual patients.

With social media, mesothelioma researchers want to reach more patients who may qualify for clinical trials. Many patients do not reside in the larger metropolitan areas where such trials are generally conducted, and will not hear about these opportunities from their local oncologists. However, a social media campaign to spread the word about clinical trials for mesothelioma allows these patients to learn about the trials and look into whether they are eligible.

Finding the Right Social Media Platform

Getting the mesothelioma message out on social media involves identifying the right target audience and choosing the platforms that the audience is most likely to use. Very few patients are diagnosed before age 50, and the average age at diagnosis is 69.

That also means it makes little sense to target mesothelioma information on platforms such as Twitter or Instagram, since most users of these platforms are millennials. Facebook, however, trends older, and as such is the social media platform used most often by an older demographic.

Not only are those vulnerable to the disease or already diagnosed with it more likely to use Facebook, but so are their contemporaries, who may view the information and pass it on to friends or relatives affected by mesothelioma. Facebook is by far the most used social media platform.

Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler Help Those Diagnosed with Mesothelioma

If you or a loved one have received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you need the services of the experienced Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler at this difficult time. Call us today for a free consultation at 215-569-4000 or contact us online. We proudly represent clients in Philadelphia and Delaware County, Chester County, Philadelphia County, across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.