1. The Cancer Nutrition Network for Texans presents: Creating Cancer Care Teams: A workshop for Cancer Patients and their Family Caregivers The CNNT is funded by the University of Texas Medical Branch and the Texas Cancer Council Contract # 08-94

2. Finding the Best Information What to consider when assessing health information.

3. We hope that you will walk away from this seminar equipped with the tools and knowledge to find credible resources for researching cancer and caregiver topics via the: Internet Magazines Health Journals Newspapers Books

4. What you should know about.com health sites… Some websites may represent a specific company or have support from a company that uses the web for commercial purposes: …to make money by SELLING PRODUCTS.

5. Internet Areas.com = for-profit company.com = for-profit company Example: www.cancer.com www.cancer.com A pharmaceutical company.edu = educational institute Example: www.utmb.edu www.utmb.edu The University of Texas Medical Branch.gov = government agency Example: www.cancer.gov www.cancer.gov National Cancer Institute.org = non-profit agency Example: www.cancer.org www.cancer.org American Cancer Society Guide to Finding Information on the Internet

6. Is the site updated frequently? Health information changes constantly. Does it establish the site as respected and dependable? Intended Audience (i.e. consumer or health professional) Informational Websites

7. Factual Information Information presented in a clear manner Factual (not opinion) Capable of being verified from professional resources Information that is represented as an opinion, should be clearly stated and the source identified as a qualified professional or organization.

8. 1. Who are the authors? Is the information anonymous? What are their credentials? 2. Do the authors have a hidden agenda? Is there a conflict of interest? Is the information one-sided or biased? Is there a claim of a miracle or secret cure?

9. Articles, Books, and Pamphlets How credible is the source? Are they selling something? Trust your Instincts! Who published the information?

10. OrganizationWebsite Address The National Cancer Institute (NCI)www.cancer.gov Cancer Nutrition Network for Texanswww.utmb.edu/nsights/default.htm Cancer Gateway of Texaswww.cancergateway.org American Cancer Societyhttp://cancer.org

11. 1. Where did the information come from? Is the original source referenced? Is it based on scientific evidence? Is it supported by data? 2. What kind of evaluations have been done on the information? Is the information peer reviewed? Do other sources substantiate the information?

12. Fear is our greatest enemy... information our greatest ally.

13. Acknowledgements We’d like to thank the following partners for their support and those that allowed us to share their reliable information: Medical Library Association The Cancer Nutrition Network for Texans Texas Cancer Council The University of Texas Medical Branch American Cancer Society