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| From OncoLog,
November 2005, Vol. 50, No. 11 |
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Patient to Patient: Tapping into Local and Online Resources
 Education is an important step in your fight against a serious illness like cancer. However, the idea of researching a health care topic can be daunting if you have never done so. Fortunately, you don’t have to immerse yourself in technical journals or hold a medical degree to find and understand the information you need. In fact, it’s never been easier to educate yourself on cancer. Here’s where you can start.
Search the Internet.
Web-based information is free and readily available 24 hours a day. Among the resources accessible online are medical dictionaries and encyclopedias, cancer statistics, listings of support programs, information on treatment options and clinical trials, and the latest in research findings. Random Internet searches can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to look. Start instead by visiting the Web sites of major health organizations and cancer-related agencies:
If you consult other Internet resources, evaluate the credentials of the author or organization and check that the information is current. If the Web site is not documented well, it’s a good idea to verify the information in another source.
You can also browse the Web sites of major cancer care centers. Introductory information for new and prospective patients is available, along with a broad range of educational material intended for a general audience. A listing of comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute is available online at www.nccn.org.
Visit the library.
Your local library undoubtedly has books on cancer topics written for a general audience, and borrowing is free if you are a library card holder. If you need more specific books or articles, visit a university or medical school library. Here, you will have access to health care journals, online databases, and a broader range of cancer-related books. Something to keep in mind before you go to any library is that medical information is always progressing, and last year’s article or book may already be outdated. Make sure that what you’re reading is current.
Visit a local cancer care center.
Public education is a major goal of any cancer care center, and thus many cancer care centers have patient education departments that are open to the public. The trained health care professionals you’ll find there will help you navigate the databases, search the Internet, and browse through print materials to find exactly what you need. Opportunities to participate in informational sessions or special events may also be available.
Call an advocacy or support group in your area.
A simple phone call can get you on the right track. Volunteer organizations are happy to hear from the people they serve, and you’ll find that they will gladly share information with you. Cancer-related organizations are listed in the Yellow Pages under several different headings. Start by searching under “cancer,” “health care,” and “social service.” You can also search for organizations in your area by entering your zip code on the American Cancer Society Web site (www.cancer.org).
Get involved.
There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer your time and unique abilities to help organizations in your area. If you get involved, you’ll meet other people who are interested in educating themselves on cancer-related issues. Hearing first-hand stories is particularly beneficial, as you’ll learn how others are coping and how they are finding the information they need. You’ll also have the chance to educate others by sharing your own stories and experiences.
Ask your doctor.
Your doctor may be able to verify the accuracy of your research and direct you to any additional resources that you may have overlooked. Please keep in mind that it is important to discuss your findings with your doctor before you make any decisions related to your health or the health of a loved one.
For
more information
on this topic or for questions about M. D. Anderson’s treatments,
programs, or services, call the M. D. Anderson Information Line at (800)
392-1611 (in the United States) or (713) 792-3245 (in Houston and outside
the United States).
Other
articles in OncoLog, November 2005 issue:
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