Information: Good vs. Bad
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Cancer information is everywhere: internet, bookstores, newspapers, and even in emails from friends and family members. It can be difficult to distinguish between good and bad information.
Before you start, it's important to look at each source of information with a critical eye, to decide if it's reliable. Here are some things to consider:
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A Good Start |
One of the very best sources of information is the U.S. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). The NCCN is a non-profit alliance of 26 leading American cancer centers.
One focus of the NCCN is producing guidelines for physicians on how to treat cancer. These guidelines are written by world experts and are followed by many of the best cancer centers and doctors around the world. The NCCN also provides free patient information booklets for more than 15 different types of cancers. These booklets discuss the type of cancer, diagnosis, required tests for staging, and treatment options. In my opinion, they are the best place to start. Here are photos of a couple of their booklets: |
Where to Look Next? |
There are several other good websites with reliable patient information. If you want more information after reading the NCCN booklet, or if your cancer type is not listed, here are some other very good options:
Cancer.net is a website run by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
The website contains specific information on more than 150 different types of cancers, but also on navigating cancer care, coping with cancer, research, and survivorship. The U.S. National Cancer Institute has a good patient information website covering many of the aspects of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
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Still Missing Something? |
For most patients, these three resources will give you most of the information you need to understand your type of cancer.
Many readers have posted to say that sometimes, the standard patient information is not enough. If you need more information, look at the websites that doctors use. If there's something you still can't find, post a question. |
Time to Focus on Quality |
These patient information websites are outstanding, but they don't give you the tools you need to get the best quality treatment.
Go to our Patient Resources to learn more. |