Home > Living with Cancer > Researching Cancer

Surfing for Answers, con't

Our patients pick the best online ways to pass the time

MedlinePlus

Who runs it: MedlinePlus is the National Institutes of Health's website for patients, their families and friends. The U.S. National Library of Medicine, which is a part of the National Institutes of Health and also is the world's largest medical library, created and maintains the website.

What you'll find: MedlinePlus is not just a health directory website; it's considered one of the premier websites for all health information. While the directory isn't cancer-centric (it contains information on more than 800 health-related topics), it links to many resources that are relevant to cancer patients. A team of medical librarians select authoritative, patient-friendly web-based health resources. Up-to-date, systematically reviewed information on the various types of cancers and cancer-related topics can be found under the site's "Health Topics" tab. Click a topic to reveal links to basic overviews, multimedia tools, research and more. For those who may be experiencing information overload, MedlinePlus offers a "Start Here" section, which pulls two to three links that directs you to the "must know" information. Visit: Medlineplus.gov.

Looking for answers on the go? MedlinePlus also offers a mobile version at http://m.medlineplus.gov/.

Shop Well With You

Who runs it: Shop Well with You is a national nonprofit organization. Emily Spivack, the organization's founder and a Brown University graduate, launched the website after watching her mother struggle to find clothes that were both comfortable and stylish during multiple fights against cancer.

What you'll find: This website aims to be a body-image resource for women with cancer, offering tips on how women can use clothing and accessories to maintain a positive body image during and after treatment. The site offers patients customized clothing tips based on their cancer-related treatments and treatment side effects. Visit the site's directory of cancer-specific products -which includes swimsuits and head coverings - to search for various garments, brands or styles. The directory helps users locate websites that offer the selected product, giving a brief overview. The site's hidden gem: A fabric guide helps patients determine which fabrics may be most comfortable for their sensitive skin. Visit: www.shopwellwithyou.org.

Look Good Feel Better

Who runs it: Look GoodFeel Better is a non-medical, brand-neutral public service program administered by the American Cancer Society. Group programs are led by volunteer beauty professionals, who are trained and certified by the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the Professional Beauty Association/National Cosmetology Association. What you'll find: This website teaches beauty techniques to all cancer patients, not just women. Visitors will land on a women-centric website by plugging in the web address, but you can find sites tailored for men and teens by clicking the "Programs" tab. Neither resource is as extensive as the women's variation, but both address gender- and age-specific concerns. A highlight of the women's site is a link to InStyle Magazine's Makeover Tool, which allows users to experiment with different looks and styles before applying them. Still looking for more beauty hints? Search for free group workshops nationwide on the website's Program Finder. Visit: www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org.

Family Caregiver Alliance

Who runs it: Family Caregiver Alliance is a national nonprofit caregiver support organization based in San Francisco.

What you'll find: The Family Caregiver Alliance offers numerous resources for family members, partners and friends who care for a loved one living with a chronic or disabling health condition. This website features the Family Care Navigator, a state-by-state guide to help any U.S. caregiver easily locate government, nonprofit and private programs in their area. In addition, it includes information on government health and disability programs, legal resources, disease-specific organizations and more. Caregiver information is available in Spanish or Chinese. Visit: www.caregiver.org.

Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups

Who runs it: The Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups is a nonprofit organization with members from 10 National Cancer Institute-sponsored Cooperative Groups, U.S. patient advocacy organizations and thousands of oncology and cancer research specialists.

What you'll find: One of the first items to catch your attention is a link to TrialCheck, a database containing all U.S. registered cancer studies. The coalition's database is used by the American Cancer Society to help connect cancer patients to relevant clinical trials. Answer 12 brief questions and within minutes, the search engine will deliver you relevant trials. Trained cancer clinical trial specialists also are available to answer questions. Other topics addressed on this site include: clinical trial myths, information on informed consent, insurance considerations and clinical trial-related questions you should ask your doctor. Visit: www.cancertrialshelp.org.

Cure-ious? Ask.

Who runs it: The Federal Trade Commission maintains this website.

What you'll find: The website's doodle-esque graphics may have some visitors wondering whether they clicked themselves into a scam, but don't worry: This website powered by the Federal Trade Commission is the real deal. It includes questions to ask your doctor about alternative cancer therapies, but the bulk of information is aimed at helping patients, their families and friends spot scams The site warns visitors to be skeptical of products claiming to treat or cure cancer. Think you uncovered a bogus claim? The site, which can be viewed in English or Spanish, includes a link to file complaints. Visit: www.ftc.gov/curious.

CancerandCareers.org

Who runs it: Cancers and Careers is a program of the Cosmetic Executive Women Foundation. The foundation is the charitable arm of the New York-based Cosmetic Executive Women Inc., a nonprofit trade organization with 4,000 executives in the beauty, cosmetics, fragrance and related industries.

What you'll find: The name says it all. This website provides in-depth information on juggling a career and a cancer diagnosis. Although it caters to working women with cancer, the site also offers information for employers, co-workers and caregivers. The website hosts various educational events, such as free teleconferences with legal and career experts, and provides tips to help those returning to work or job hunting after cancer treatment. A can't-miss feature is the site's discussion board. Professional career coaches offer free advice about various topics, including how to explain your time off work to potential employers. Every post receives a response, but be sure to skim the board to avoid repeat questions. Visit: www.cancerandcareers.org.

return to the top of the page