Web-based Sources
Searching the Web
There are many internet-based sources of information on cancer diagnosis and treatment. As with any other type of information available on the Internet, the quality and accuracy of the information can vary greatly. Here are some tips for evaluating cancer web sites:
- Focus on sites sponsored by professional medical associations, universities, government agencies, and medical journals whose publications are "peer" reviewed by outside experts.
- When using search engines, remember that some web sites pay the search engines to get top locations on the page where results are listed. These "sponsored" sites are often listed on the right of the page and/or highlighted. The majority of web sites is non-sponsored, and gradually works their way "up" the listings, by having high quality, current content that is updated frequently.
- Carefully review any advertising that appears on a website to decide whether the advertising does or does not influence the website content.
- Medical information that oncology professionals use, has been published in high quality "peer reviewed" journals. Be wary of treatment results or claims that are not supported by reliable data. Be especially wary of cancer treatments that sound too good to be true. Unfortunately cancer patients can be especially vulnerable to unsubstantiated claims.
- Discussion groups and "blogs" can be helpful sources of information if managed by qualified medical professionals. Some discussion groups convey inaccurate and misleading information.
In addition to the CanLiv website, other organizations and web-based resources for patients, families and caregivers that may be helpful are listed below.
Last Updated on 2/20/2012 3:10:30 PM