Researching Your Cancer

“The world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it.”

– Helen Keller

There can be such a thing as too much information. Researching your cancer can be draining, overwhelming, scary, and make you feel even more insecure. These are perfectly legitimate reasons NOT to research your cancer. But, with the right amount of knowledge, you can be empowered to ask intelligent questions of your caregivers, find new treatment information, and develop better ways to cope. By reading the following articles, you will help identify what level of information is right for you. As you research, keep in mind your sources. Question sources you don’t trust, and make sure the information you’re reading is up to date, as medications and treatment do change. The sources listed below are some of the most well-respected in the industry.

Articles:

• “Pros and Cons of Researching Your Cancer,” Cancer Guide
• “All About Advanced Cancer,” American Cancer Society
• “NCCS Resource Guide,” National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
• "Patient Information," Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Web sites:

• Mayo Clinic Cancer Center
• Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
• Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
• MD Anderson
• People Living With Cancer, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
• NCI, National Cancer Institute