Using a search-volume tool (Google Trends) to assess global interest for uterine fibroids

Excerpt

Uterine fibroids (UF) or uterine leiomyoma is the most prevalent benign gynecological tumors and despite many advances in non-surgical treatment, invasive treatments are still being performed worldwide [1]. Many theories have been developed about its origin, and newer clinical and minimally invasive treatments are being tested (selective progesterone receptor modulators, high-intensity focused ultrasound). However, women feel a negative impact when UF cause symptoms and usually are motivated to operate when possible [2, 3]. Media (television, radio and internet) has an important task as an informative tool for patients and health professionals to spread knowledge; of these categories, the Internet is a communication vehicle which has been rapidly growing and people are becoming frequent users. …