Using the Internet to Learn About Cancer

The internet and how we use it are changing at a fast pace. It can be hard to tell which sites are reliable and trustworthy. It is even more important that the medical information you are looking for is up-to-date and based on scientific research whenever possible. Artificial intelligence (AI) brings new ways to learn, but it also has its challenges. This article will focus on traditional online websites and how to make sure these sites are helpful, trustworthy, and up-to-date. 

Some tips to get you started:

• Ask your providers for websites they recommend. Most providers understand that you may want to search for information on your own. They can give you a few starting points.
• Ask some questions about any website you visit – you can learn a lot by reading the “About Us” page.
  • Does a company sponsor the site? Do they have influence over the content?
  • Is the site run by a person? Does this person provide information only about their own experience?
  • What is the mission of the site?
• You can also tell a lot from the URL or address of the website. Websites ending in -.gov, -.org, and -.edu tend to be reliable and trustworthy:
  • On websites run by the United States government, the web address will end in .gov
  • A non-profit organization’s web address typically ends in .org
  • A University medical center/ or school’s website URL will typically end in .edu.
• Who is writing the information? Is it a patient? A medical writer? Is there no author listed at all? Is it a provider who is an expert on the topic you are searching for?
  • You can always search the author’s name for their credentials.
  • A healthcare provider may be able to give you information based on years of experience, versus a single patient’s story.
• When was the information written?
  • Research is constantly being done in the world of medicine and you want to make sure that the information you have is current and up-to-date. Generally, you don’t want to read anything that is more than a few years old.
• Is the site selling something? Are there claims to have a cure for your cancer? Use caution and always talk with your healthcare provider before you buy or try anything.

These are not “rules” when searching the internet for cancer education. These are things to think about when you look at the information on the web. An individual patient’s story can provide inspiration and advice, but maybe it isn’t the best place to start when learning about a new diagnosis. Above all, talk with your healthcare team about things you find online before trying them out yourself.

Check out the Resources for More Information: General Cancer Sites to get you started.