Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and it’s completely normal that anyone facing this reality would want to learn as much as possible about their condition, treatment options, and prognosis. However, with so much information available through simple internet searches, how do you know if the resources you find are relevant and accurate?
Unfortunately, for every reliable cancer resource, there’s at least one piece of misinformation (if not more).
How to Identify Reliable Cancer Information
To find trustworthy, high-quality information, your goal should be to locate organizations whose mission is to provide evidence-based public health information. These include large organizations like:
- American Cancer Society
- American Society for Radiation Oncology
- RT Answers portal for questions about radiation therapy
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network
- National Cancer Institute
Websites with “.edu” domains can also be reliable, especially if they’re affiliated with medical centers like MD Anderson, Mayo Clinic, or Johns Hopkins. Information from these sources should be backed by references you can cross-check; and any content you access, whether from articles, books, or websites, should be up to date, as cancer diagnosis and treatment protocols are constantly changing.
The Importance of Peer-Reviewed Research
When evaluating medical studies, check whether they have been peer-reviewed. Peer-reviewed research undergoes scrutiny by experts in the field before being published, making it far more reliable than opinion-based articles or personal blogs.
Red Flags for Misinformation
Misinformation often lacks references, uses exaggerated claims (e.g. “miracle cure”), or presents anecdotal evidence without scientific backing. Be wary of sources that promise “instant results” or use emotional manipulation to push a particular treatment.
Recognizing Bias and Commercial Interests
Some websites or influencers may promote treatments, supplements, or services with financial incentives. If a source is selling a product alongside medical claims, it’s important to verify that information through independent, nonprofit sources.
Social Media: Helpful or Harmful?
Social media can be both a useful and misleading tool. When evaluating information from social media platforms, consider the source and whether it originates from a credible organization. For example, our Green Bay Oncology social media channels provide current, trustworthy updates on cancer care, along with the social media sites of the organizations listed above.
While countless other medical professionals and organizations do share updates on social media, algorithms prioritize engagement over accuracy, meaning misleading information can spread quickly. Be cautious of viral posts, personal testimonials, or non-medical influencers discussing treatments without scientific evidence. Always verify claims against reputable sources before considering them valid.
A Simple Tool for Evaluating Cancer Claims
You can use the Cancer Claim CRAP Test to assess the credibility of information. CRAP stands for:
- Currency – Is the information recent and up to date?
- Reliability – Is the content backed by scientific evidence and references? Does another reputable source confirm the claim?
- Authority – Is the source an expert organization or a qualified professional?
- Purpose/Point of View – Is there potential bias or a hidden agenda? Does the author have something to gain by sharing this information?
Using this framework can help you determine whether claims and sources are trustworthy.
Where to Turn for More Cancer Information and Support
Our Green Bay Oncology website offers many reliable, up-to-date resources. Additionally, our podcast, Cancer Covered, features conversations with our medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists and can be a helpful source of information on everything from staging to cancer myths, and even the history of radiation therapy!
All Green Bay Oncology patients also have access to dieticians, social workers, financial counselors, and geneticists as part of their care plan. These experts can help answer questions related to food and nutrition trends, coping with a cancer diagnosis, making sure your insurance provider covers your treatments as promised, understanding your health risks, and more.
If you need help evaluating health stories in the news or research studies, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of oncologists, advanced practice providers, and the entire staff are here to help you navigate available resources and answer your questions.
