How to Find Trustworthy Lung Cancer Information Online

By Renee Botello MSc, Treatment and Trials Navigator  

A lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and is life-changing for patients and caregivers. Navigating it is challenging without the correct information. The internet has become many people’s primary source for understanding a diagnosis and other health-related issues. But with so much information available, knowing which sources to trust is crucial.

Information on the internet can come from many different places. Understanding who owns and reviews the website or source and its information is vital in determining its credibility. Health-related details should come from someone who supports the information with evidence-based research and has the credentials to back what they post.

Questions to ask yourself about online lung cancer information

What is the purpose of the source or website?

Understanding the source’s purpose or mission allows readers to judge how well they can trust it. If the site is a platform to sell a product or cure, it is more likely to have misleading health information than a site that provides data and facts. Most trustworthy sources of health information online are educational or government institutions that use content reviewed and vetted by experts. Lung cancer information should be balanced, informative, and non-biased.

Government agencies (.gov), nonprofit organizations (.org), and educational institutions (.edu) also have specific web addresses, which can help determine how trustworthy a site is.

Can you tell where the information is from?

Online content about lung cancer facts, research updates, publications, or treatments, including clinical trials, should have references. References are important because they allow readers to differentiate between an opinion and a research-based statement. Although personal experiences and opinions can connect individuals with similar diagnoses, it is essential to remember that everyone is different. This applies to treatment, their response, and other aspects of the lung cancer experience.

How up-to-date is the information?

Lung cancer-related information, including research, treatment practices, and standards of care, is continuously changing. Online content should have a publish date so readers know when the source shared it. This helps readers decide whether the information benefits them or if they need to look for more up-to-date information.

Who is the intended audience for the content or information? 

Knowing who the author wrote the content for can help you better understand whether the information benefits you. This is important because who the intended audience is impacts the detail, the language used, and the overall focus of the content. Any health-related information, including information about lung cancer, can target different audiences. Knowing the target audience can help you find the most relevant information that fits your needs.

If this is the case, the information shared should be the same, with the distinction that the patient information be available in a way that is easy to understand and refer to.

Is the source asking for your personal information?

Before sharing your personal information online, understand how the site or source will use it. Always use caution.

Social media is one of the most easily accessed sources of lung cancer information online. It can help connect people with others with a similar diagnosis or questions. Social media can also link to organizations that provide up-to-date information on lung cancer. When navigating social media, ask yourself: Who is the post written for and by whom? Never take recommendations for treatments or medications from social media.

How do you know if the information is correct for you?

Remember that each diagnosis and experience is unique, so information shared online may only be helpful to some. What you find online may not fit your needs and should never replace a medical recommendation or consultation. Your medical team can help better address specific lung cancer concerns, issues, or questions.

If you find a trusted resource that meets your needs, explore it for information and links to other credible sources. Always discuss any information found with your medical team.