Internet Searches for Cancer Information… Don’t Go it Alone
By Janet Teixeira, LCSW
At Cancer Care Connection, we often advise our callers – don’t hesitate to ask for help, don’t try to go it alone when you’re affected by cancer.
This is especially true of internet searches regarding the many forms of cancer. As my team of oncology social workers with Cancer Care Connection would tell you, Internet searches for cancer information can leave you stressed on top of the anxiety that is so common for anyone affected by cancer.
Have you heard people use the phrase “don’t go down that rabbit hole?” That’s our advice to people who mention Internet searches. And if you’re not familiar with that phrase, it refers to digging down deeper and deeper for information online, so much so that you feel like you’ll never come up.
There are lots of reasons to avoid this experience. First, although cancer affects many people, types of cancer are often different for each person. What’s your family history of cancer? Are you affected by other diseases? How early was your cancer detected? Are you experiencing cancer for the first time or are you experiencing a recurrence?
These are distinctions that Internet searches do not make. Let’s say you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, that it was detected at a very early stage and you have no family history. So you try an Internet search and get a whole pile of information from fatal to encouraging.
Now let’s say another person is searching for information on breast cancer but she has a family history going back two generations. And unfortunately, her case is considered advanced.
Both people are likely to find the same information, leading that first person to experience anxiety because her low risk factors aren’t taken into consideration. And this is just one example.
How can you tell if the cancer information you find is legitimate? If there’s a price tag involved? Or if your discovery is a free service? Sites that end in .org normally represent non-profit organizations whose goals are to educate and support people affected by cancer.
By contrast, sites that end in .com, while they can be perfectly legitimate, are usually selling products or services. If you find something that interests you from a .com site, check with your medical team for their thoughts. You’ll want to have this second opinion from someone you know and trust.
So much about cancer can be stressful so we, as oncology social workers, encourage people affected by cancer to reach out for help. Maybe you’re hearing friends and loved ones say “let me know if there’s anything I can do to help…” Take them up on their offer.
When you have a relative or friend sit with you at your computer, s/he can offer perspective. In the example I mentioned earlier that person could point out low risk factors to the first breast cancer patient, potentially serving as a calming force.
We at Cancer Care Connection conduct Internet searches with or for our callers. Our role is to share information, perspectives and stress reducing practices. Visit cancercareconnection.org or call 302.266.8050 for more information.
Janet Teixeira is the Executive Director of Cancer Care Connection, a free telephone service that responds to cancer-related questions and concerns. In addition, Janet is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Cancer Care Connection is an affiliate of Jewish Family Services of Delaware.