A Touch of Grey
The Talk Show for Grownups
Carole MarksAudio To view any changes since your last visit refresh/or reload page Cancer Patients Report Internet Misinformation
In a recent survey, cancer patients said their biggest concern about cancer information on the Internet was "misinformation." Breast cancer survivor Michael Samuelson was not surprised.
"When I first learned I had cancer, I was shocked to find out how much misleading, misguided and simply wrong information there was on the Internet about male breast cancer. The survey shows many other cancer patients and survivors face the same problem."
More than half of those surveyed (58 percent) cited misinformation as a concern, even ahead of security and privacy issues.
In spite of this concern, cancer patients rely on the Internet to learn about their illness. Survey respondents reported surfing for cancer information an average of 4 days per month, visiting 3 different sites, and spending nearly 20 minutes in each site.
The survey was conducted by cancerfacts.com, a new Web site that helps cancer patients access accurate, scientific information personalized to their specific medical situations.
On the site, patients and physicians use the interactive Cancer Profiler system, which provides data tailored to patients' specific needs and helps them make decisions about their treatments.
Patients enter their medical histories, test results, and personal preferences into the Cancer Profiler, which uses a database of scientific studies to produce customized personal reports. These reports show treatment options, possible treatment outcomes, and potential side effects stemming from treatment.
cancerfacts.com was developed to help cancer patients benefit from the experiences of thousands of others described in scientific studies. The studies selected to go into the database are reviewed and updated by prominent cancer experts.
The result is accurate, unbiased information to help patients assess the treatment options available to them. The information also enables patients to work with their physicians to select the treatment plans that best meet their needs. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.cancerfacts.com.