The Information Book Edition 3 - Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service

7 Information resourcesSeeking InformationWebsites, the internet and emails can give accurate and up to date informationabout cancer. But the information can also be confusing, misguiding, andsometimes wrong! If you are considering seeking further information aboutyour child’s cancer, it is important to understand that information from CCCstaff or material provided to you by the CCC is carefully considered, checkedto be accurate, tailored to individual circumstances, with support immediatelyon hand. By comparison, internet material (even from reputable sources) is notcarefully relayed, may relate to circumstances that do not apply to your child,is not necessarily accurate and without support on hand, you may find thisunexpectedly emotionally challenging. If you choose to seek information viathis source, and have any questions or are anxious about information you havelocated, please discuss this with your child’s team.We have listed some things to look for when you are using a website forinformation. You can use these to check on other information sources –books, pamphlets, meetings, casual advice. If you have any questions aboutinformation please discuss these with your child’s team.OncoLink FAQ: Evaluating cancer web sitesThis is adapted from a webpage that is no longer available on line,based on an editorial by the directors of OncoLink, a comprehensivewebsite related to cancer diagnosis and treatment. OncoLink Editor-in-Chief,Joel W Goldwein, MD, Associate Professor, Radiation Oncology. Last revisiondate – 9th December, 1998.The things to look for (not in order of importance) are:1. Accuracy of information – avoid sites where information is not referenced,or where authors and dates of content are not stated2. Availability of editorial staff – a web resource should list their editorialstaff, the credentials of the people behind the resource. An address andemail contact should also be providedInformation resources Sec.7.1Updated July 2012