Helping Hand Resource Guide

Finding Reliable Health Information on the Web

The explosion of information on the internet has certainly benefited people with cancer, but has also added a good dose of confusion and new pressure. With thousands of websites offering cancer information, knowing which ones to trust can be difficult.

Where Do I Begin?

• A good place to begin is always with your health care team. Your doctor, nurse, or social worker can tell you about websites or books related to your cancer type that will provide credible information.
• Government institutions, like the National Cancer Institute, provide trustworthy, current information on cancer staging, new treatments, side effect management and more.
• Nonprofit organizations like CancerCare can refer you to helpful websites. For example, we invite you to visit Cancer.net, a reliable website that is a partner with CancerCare.

Can I Trust This Website? Questions You Should Ask

1. What is the purpose of the website – educational or commercial?

   Educational websites, which are generally sponsored by nonprofit organizations, provide information about many different treatment options. Commercial sites, like those sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, will provide excellent information about their own drugs, but are not a good place to learn about the full range of treatment options.

2. What is the website’s reputation?

   Chances are, if your doctor or other professionals you trust have heard of the website, it’s reliable.

3. What is the source of the information?

   Generally, nationally known cancer centers, medical schools, large nonprofit organizations, and government agencies provide the highest quality information.

4. Is the information relevant to you?

   A good website provides information that speaks to your needs.

5. Can you identify the authors of the material?

   If they’re not experts in the field, or if they are anonymous, their information could be misleading or inaccurate.

6. Are you able to find contact information for the people behind the website?

   If you can’t communicate with them, find another source.

7. Is the material posted with a current date and a “last revision” date?

   The science of cancer is changing all the time; outdated information isn’t of much use.

8. Are the links relevant and appropriate for the site?

   Websites that refer you to unreliable or commercial sources of information should be rejected.

9. Does the website’s privacy statement state that information collected will be kept confidential?

   Some sites sell your name or other personal information. Avoid them.

Remember: the internet is not a substitute for individual medical care. Use credible information you find on these sites to help you communicate more effectively with your doctor.