How to navigate cancer misinformation

It is natural to want to gather as much information as possible around potential treatments and cures for cancer, especially if you or someone you care about has been diagnosed.

And it's important, too: being well informed can help you make the right decisions for you about the next steps, which can have a huge impact on your quality of life and treatment outcome.

It can also bring a sense of hope and control at a time when things can feel scary and uncertain.

Why where you get your information matters

However, knowing what information to trust is becoming increasingly difficult.

Many search engines use artificial intelligence (AI) to respond to queries, quoting information that may be outdated, unfounded, out of context, from an irreputable source, or downright incorrect.  

There has also been a shift in attitudes to online information: many people may feel more trusting of guidance from social media influencers they follow than from reputable experts and organisations.

Unfortunately, this means that people are vulnerable to dishonesty, alternative health ideas promoting ‘miracle cures’, and anti-medicine conspiracy theories, with potentially devasting consequences.

Arm yourself with trustworthy information

The good news: knowledge is power, and we live at a time where there is a wealth of data, research, and experience at our fingertips. And tapping into that can help you feel empowered as you deal with a cancer diagnosis.

Temi Omooba, Centre Head at Maggie’s, Royal Free, has shared her advice to help you protect yourself from misinformation and find cancer information you can trust.

How to find information you can trust

1. Search for reliable sources such as government agencies, hospitals and academic institutions. Websites that end in .gov, .nhs.uk, .ac.uk and .org are often more dependable.
   
   
2. Look for evidence-based information. Ensure information has been thoroughly researched using scientific evidence and controlled trials. These studies are usually carried out by research teams at universities and hospitals, and are often written by healthcare professionals.
   
   
3. Ensure the information is relevant for where you live. Medical information can vary between countries, and even between areas in the same country.
   
   
4. Check information is up to date. Look for information that is regularly reviewed and updated. Resources providing health information will often have the date it was published and when it will next be reviewed.
   
   
5. Avoid using generative search engines (such as ChatGPT) or relying on the AI-generated summaries at the top of internet search results for health-related queries. It isn't always easy to find their sources or context for the information they provide.
   
   
6. Inform your healthcare professional. Discuss any information you find with your doctor or a member of your medical team, especially if there is advice you are considering following.
   
   
7. Speak to a cancer support specialist at Maggie's. All our staff are experts in cancer care, and they can help you find the information you need to feel more confident and prepared for everything that follows a cancer diagnosis.
   
   
• Just come in to your nearest Maggie's
• Call us on 0300 123 180 or arrange a callback
• Email us at enquiries@maggies.org 
• Our phone lines and centres are open  Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

Last review: Jun 2025 | Next review: Jun 2028