How to research cancer
Start With Your Cancer Care Team
Start by talking with your cancer care team. Each cancer is different and each person is different. Your health care providers know you, so the type of care you receive will be based on what is best for you and your situation. Many cancer centers have a nurse-educator.
Talk about your options with your team. You can find information on the website of your cancer center or hospital. Many hospital websites have a variety of resources:
- Health libraries
- Print and online newsletters and magazines
- Blogs
- Classes and seminars focused on issues related to having cancer
- Information about clinical trials going on at your cancer center or hospital
You should also talk with other cancer care providers. It is a good idea to get input from more than one provider when faced with serious illness. Talk with your provider about getting a second opinion before making major health decisions.
Explore Trusted Institutions
For more in-depth information, look to government sources and medical associations. They provide research-based, up-to-date information about all types of cancer. Here are several to start with:
National Cancer Institute -
- Supports and conducts cancer research
- Collects, analyzes, and shares the results of cancer research
- Provides training in cancer diagnosis and treatment
You can find current, in-depth information on:
- All types of cancer
- Risk factors and prevention
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Clinical trials
- Support, coping, and resources
The NCI creates PDQ (trademark) cancer information summaries. These are comprehensive, evidence-based summaries on topics that cover cancer treatment, supportive and palliative care, screening, prevention, genetics, and integrated medicine.
- For cancer information summaries on adult cancer treatment -
www.cancer.gov/publications/pdq/information-summaries/adult-treatment - For cancer information summaries on pediatric cancer treatment -
www.cancer.gov/publications/pdq/information-summaries/pediatric-treatment
American Cancer Society -
- Raises money and conducts cancer research
- Provides up-to-date information to people with cancer and their families
- Offers community programs and services, such as Rides to Treatment, lodging, and hair loss and mastectomy products
- Provides emotional support through online forums and classes
- Connects patients one-on-one with volunteers who are also cancer survivors
- Works with lawmakers to pass laws that help people with cancer
American Society of Clinical Oncology -
- Different types of cancer
- How to manage cancer care
- Coping and support
- Cancer research and advocacy
ClinicalTrials.gov. -
- What a clinical trial is
- How to find clinical trials in your area, listed by topic or map
- How to search for studies and use search results
- How to find study results
National Comprehensive Cancer Network Patient and Caregiver Resources -
- Easy-to-understand information about cancer and cancer treatment
- Easy-to-understand information about clinical guidelines for cancer care
- Information on payment assistance
- Information on clinical trials
To review more detailed guidelines meant for physicians who treat cancer, you can review NCCN Guidelines at
You can see patient version of these guidelines at
Use With Caution
It is important to know how to find health information you can trust. You should use some resources with care.
Online forums, chat rooms, and support groups. These sources can help you find ways to cope, share your stories, and get support. But remember that no two people are alike when it comes to cancer. Be careful not to draw conclusions about your cancer and how it will progress based on what happened to someone else. You should also never get medical advice from online sources.
Cancer studies. It can be interesting to read the latest study about a new cancer drug or treatment. Just do not read too much into a single study. New ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent cancer are only adopted after many years of research.
Integrative medicine (IM). Many people with cancer look for alternative therapies. Use care when reading about these remedies. Avoid sites that promise miracle cures. You can find trusted information at the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). The center is run by the NIH. It offers research-based information at
References
American Society of Clinical Oncology. Cancer.net website. Evaluating cancer information on the internet.
American Society of Clinical Oncology. Cancer.net website. Understanding cancer research study design and how to evaluate results.
American Society of Clinical Oncology. Cancer.net website. Understanding the publication and format of cancer research studies.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 1/6/2022
Reviewed by: Richard LoCicero, MD, private practice specializing in Hematology and Medical Oncology, Longstreet Cancer Center, Gainesville, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
