FINDING RELIABLE & HELPFUL ONLINE CANCER RESOURCES

The Internet has made it easier and faster to find health information than ever before. Much of this information is valuable; however, the Internet also allows rapid and widespread distribution of false and misleading information. It is important for people to carefully consider the source of information and to discuss the information they find with their health care provider.

The web address itself can provide additional information about the nature of the internet site and the sponsor's intent.

•.gov     A government agency has .gov in the address.
•.edu     An educational institution is indicated by .edu in the address.
•.org     A professional organization such as a scientific or research society will end in .org.
•.com    Commercial website addresses ending in .com most often belong to a company such as a pharmaceutical or manufacturing company.

One way to minimize the damage and fear caused by misinformation is to identify respected sources of sound health information and use them as primary resources. Additionally, some reputable Web sites include information about cancer myths and rumors that have been posted on the Internet or circulated via e-mail. Reputable web sites that focus on cancer are described below.

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is a professional organization that represents physicians who treat people with cancer. ASCO's patient information Web site, Cancer.Net, provides information to help patients and their families make health care decisions.

American Cancer Society  supports education and research in cancer prevention, diagnosis, detection, and treatment. Its web page provides news, information on types of cancer, patient services, treatment options, sections on children with cancer and living with cancer, and cancer statistics. The ACS Rumors, Myths, and Truths web page provides links to information about possible hoaxes.

Association of Cancer Online Resources has a mission to provide "varied and credible" information to cancer patients and those who care for them through the "creation and maintenance of cancer-related Internet mailing lists and web-based resources." ACOR currently offers access to nearly 100 public email cancer support groups, as well as ACOR-supported websites.

Cancer Care, Inc.  is a nonprofit organization "whose mission is to provide free professional help to people with all cancers through counseling, education, information and referral, and direct financial assistance." Maintains links to support, educational, treatment, and information services.

Livestrong  a registered trademark of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. This site provides support and guidance for people through the cancer experience and beyond.

National Cancer Institute  Produced by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health, provides information on types of cancer; treatment options; clinical trials; genetics, causes, risk factors and prevention; testing; coping, and support resources.

Use the NCI subject listing below to find the fact sheets you are interested in. 
        •Cancer Type
        •Risk Factors and Possible Causes
        •Prevention
        •Diet and Nutrition
        •Detection and Diagnosis
        •Cancer Therapy
        •Clinical Trials
        •Support, Coping, and Resources
        •Tobacco and Smoking Cessation
        •About NCI
        •Cancer Health Disparities
        •En Español    

Oncolink  is a collection of Internet resources on the prevention and treatment of cancer maintained by the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center. The site includes news, book reviews, disease information, and patient support links.

Women's Cancer Network  is the official site of the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation - physicians "dedicated to preventing, detecting and conquering cancer in women." The site has information on the organization, the types of cancer that affect women, cancer risks for women, and a search engine to locate gynecologic oncologists. There are also links to related sites, publications, and support groups.

Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance  Resources for patients and their families.