Google wisely!
While knowledge is strength when it comes to a cancer diagnosis, there's so much misinformation out there that it's hard to know what to believe. Your medical team will give you the facts as will reliable websites. Here are some of the best.
There's such a massive amount of information about cancer online that it's hard to work out what's fact and what's fiction.
The problem is that anyone can upload their stuff for the world to read: professional medical people and institutions, cancer survivors, family and friends of people diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, people suggesting alternatives to traditional cancer treatment- and of course, the quacks. So when you're desperately searching for the answers you need, it's easy to become confused. DrConnect is a good starting point, as is your medical team who will not only respond to your questions, but will also help with suggestions of credible online resources.
Before you read anything online and accept the information on offer, check out the credentials of the writer and the site on which it is published. Also, always tell your medical team about the information you have come across and ask them whether the information is current and correct. Remember that there are significant advances regularly being made in the cancer world today and that some of the information on the internet is outdated and not based on the latest research, while other sites claim to have the latest research or treatment methods yet they could be untested or unproven.
Always use a reputable source of information - such as those listed below -when it comes to searching for medical descriptions and information about cancer treatment. If you want to read about other people's experiences of cancer treatment stick to their blog posts (bearing in mind that they are not medical professionals and that they're describing things based on their understanding and frame of reference) or stories reported on by reputable news media.
Credible online resources
Here are some credible local and international websites where you can find good information about cancer and cancer treatment (in no specific order):
General and medical
- CANSA
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network
- American Cancer Society
- Cancer.Net
- WebMD
- National Cancer Institute
- Mayo Clinic
- Cleveland Clinic
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre
- South African Urological Association
- South African Society for Clinical and Radiation Oncologists
- South African Society for Medical Oncologists
- South African Gastroenterology Society
- Genetic Counselling
- Campaigning for Cancer
- Lymphoedema Association of South Africa
- SA Oncology Social Workers' forum
- South African Oncology Consortium
- ICON
Support groups
- People living with Cancer
- Cancer Buddies
- Love your Nuts
- Bosom Buddies
- Cancervive
- Can-sir
- Look Good Feel Better
- Reach for Recovery
- Cancer Alliance
- Sunflower Fund
- Reach for a Dream
- CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa)
- Kirsty Watts Foundation
Some of the sites for innovative patient support technology
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