In The Swallow Tales, the newsletter of the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association, Roger Tunsley relates an experience he had upon first meeting his surgeon prior to his esophagectomy. The surgeon's first words to Tunsley were, "Do not Google this disease."Tunsley offers a few tips for reading information on the internet, specifically regarding esophageal cancer. Tunsley writes, "You can't believe everything you read, especially on the web. Read critically. Statistics are heavily influenced by the date that they were published. Everyone's EC experience are very different."
Good advice for anyone doing an internet search on health issues, including cancer.
I would add, know yourself. If you don't think that you are going to be able to handle information after something like a general Google search which is going to pop up anything and everything, find another way to get the information. Of course, your physician should be your primary source of information regarding your specific case.
For more on esophageal cancer on the internet, a good place to start is the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Network's "Finding Help" page.
1. Properly managed, the net-savvy cancer patient can be a time-saving asset. The more educated patient is a more compliant patient. What is essential is effective communication between provider and patient that can prevent miseducation and misunderstanding.
As cancer patients launch increased explorations into medical cyberspace, they are finding out more about their disease, and researching therapies and therapeutic alternatives. With this information, they are questioning and challenging physician authority. A statement from a doctor, "don't Google your disease" would be a caution sign. The Internet can enhance the doctor-patient relationship, rather than undermine it.
Patients can find sites that improve their lifestyle, motivate greater levels of therapeutic compliance, cut down on basic questions, help combat illness more effectively, increase wellness and prevention skills, and maintain overall wellness. The Internet, when used correctly, can be a powerful educational tool.
Physicians should verse themselves in Internet basics or at least have a working knowledge of how to work through its electronic pathway. Then they can approach patients about what is on the Internet when appropriate and as time permits. Then patients can have an increased positive attitude about their treatments and outcome, take an active role in decisions regarding their treatment, and see their relationship with the physician as one of partnership.
Patients can see the Internet as a powerful tool that can enhance their decision-making ability. They don't have to feel powerless or have to rely on the doctor to make all of the decisions. Afterall, it is "your" body, not theirs.
You don't go to blogs or discussion boards for information per se, but rather for new ideas. Simply reading the comments is an excellent learning process. They are a way of sharing information and stimulating ideas. A great way to get new perspectives and information.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=38828
Posted at 1:00PM on Jun 28th 2007 by Gregory D. Pawelski