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Finding cancer information on the internet

Information available about cancer on the internet can include:

  • Prevention and early detection strategies.
  • Specific cancers.
  • Diagnosis.
  • Treatment side-effects.
  • Current research.
  • Clinical trials.
  • Statistics.
  • Supportive and alternative therapies.
  • Palliative Care
  • Practical assistance and support, including online support and chat lines.

Tips for navigating the internet

Take care and be prepared.

  • Write a list of information you would like to find on the internet. Be specific, as this will help you to narrow down your keyword search. For example, typing in "breast cancer chemotherapy treatment side effects'into a search engine will produce more specific results than the keyword "cancer".
  • Remember, not all the information you find will be useful for your specific type of cancer. Some information about treatment and services may not be relevant or available in Australia.
  • Discuss information found on the internet with your doctor, GP, specialist or health care professional to check if it is relevant to your specific situation.
  • Ask health professionals at your treatment centre for information about recommended web sites.
  • Try to use sites that are credible, that is, updated regularly and originating from a qualified author or reputable organisation. These will normally link you to other reliable sites. Generally, cancer related websites that have a .gov, .edu or .org ending have evidenced based and credible information. Sites with a .gov ending are produced by a recognised government department (no other entity besides a government can register a .gov site), whilst .edu ending sites are from educational institutions. Sites ending in .org are usually independent organisations like not for profits or charities. Australian specific sites will end in .au. There can be some excellent websites ending in .com or .net that provide credible information, however, caution needs to be exercised.
  • Navigate the internet with a partner or friend. You may find it helpful to have someone with you when you are searching for information.

Remember to ensure your own safety when online and be careful about giving out personal details.

Recommended websites

There is a large amount of useful information on the internet. However, when conducting your research, you should be aware that all information placed on the internet is unregulated.

Listed below are recommended cancer specific websites. The information contained in these websites does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Cancer Council Queensland. Effort has been made to ensure that the websites are credible. However, Cancer Council Queensland and its advisors cannot accept liability in relation to this information. We also wish to advise that these websites may be protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission of the authors.

General cancer

Many of these organisations now use social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to communicate the most up to date information, as well as interacting with the general public. The links to these sites are usually found from the organisation"s main website.

For example, Cancer Council Queensland"s Facebook Page is http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cancer-Council-Queensland/308181594330

The information available on this page should not be used as a substitute for advice from a properly qualified medical professional who can advise you about your own individual medical needs. It is not intended to constitute medical advice and is provided for general information purposes only. See our Disclaimer.

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