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Research and new methods

Checking the source

There is a lot of information about leukaemia online, but not all of it is reliable. A few simple questions help tell a good source from a poor one.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A man reading carefully on his smartphone in a café
Figure 1.Check what you read

01Short answer

Who wrote it: a public health body, a university, a patient organisation or a sales site? When was it updated? Does it cite scientific sources? Has it been reviewed by doctors? Is someone trying to sell you something? Reviews and social media posts are personal experience, not evidence. Reliable starting points are NCI, the NHS, MedlinePlus, national cancer information services and trial registries.

02Simple explanation

Who wrote it?

When?

Is there evidence?

Is something for sale?

03Scientific explanation

MedlinePlus: when judging a health website, check who runs it, its purpose and its date.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

Good signs

A clear author, date, references and no advertising.

A lens
Figure 2.A lens — Checking the source

Bad signs

Promises of miracles, “hidden” cures, requests for payment.

Two roads
Figure 3.Two roads — Checking the source

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Good signsA clear author, date, references and no advertising.
Bad signsPromises of miracles, “hidden” cures, requests for payment.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

Peer-reviewed journal
A journal where experts check the papers.
Conflict of interest
An author's financial stake.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

What about a patient story on social media?

It can offer support, but it is not treatment advice.

Should I show what I found to my doctor?

Yes, that is a good idea.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. What about a patient story on social media?

  2. Should I show what I found to my doctor?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Evaluating Health Information
  2. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  3. U.S. National Library of Medicine. ClinicalTrials.gov
  4. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  5. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: next-generation sequencing
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Find NCI-Supported Clinical Trials
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Immunotherapy for Cancer
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Biomarker Testing / Precision Medicine
  10. Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum. Krebsinformationsdienst
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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