How many of us have gone to Google for health information? As a health educator, I know this can be one of the easiest resources—and one of the scariest. There is so much material out there and it can be tricky to know what is accurate. These tips will help you figure out what you can trust and what is most helpful.
1. Think about who is providing the information.
Well-known health organizations provide some of the most accurate information. They must show their web content is correct, up to date, and helpful. Look for information from an organization of medical experts rather than a single doctor.
2. See when the information was published.
Look for content written within the last five years. Experts are always finding new information about cancer. An article older than five years may be outdated and won’t be helpful to you.
3. Watch out for biased information.
Be wary when an article mentions a specific product. An author or organization could be getting money or benefits from mentioning the product. The author may be sharing the information for their own personal gain and not giving all the information you need.
4. Ask yourself if the information is useful.
Even if the information is accurate, it may not help you make treatment decisions. Educational info shouldn’t replace your health care team’s advice.
How to Get More Information
While these are great steps, Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Cancer Learning Center has trained cancer information specialists who can answer questions about cancer. If you’re wondering about an article you read online or a cancer treatment you heard about from a friend, our cancer information specialists can give you accurate answers and find helpful resources.
To talk with a cancer information specialist, contact us:
- Call toll-free at 1-888-424-2100
- Email cancerinfo@hci.utah.edu.
- Text 801-528-1112.
- Live chat with us.
These are some trusted cancer information sources we recommend: