Video: Tips for Online Re(Search)

Quincy: 

Hi! And thank you for joining us for another video in the Digitally Empowered series.  

[Quincy and Carmen wave] 

Carmen: 

As you’ve heard throughout this series, there are many benefits to putting the Internet to use for YOU and your health. Let’s walk through navigating the common types of search tools, starting with the search engine.  

Quincy: 

To get to cancer information quickly, most people will head straight to a popular search engine, such as Google, on a web browser. 

Whether you use Google or another search engine, you have probably heard the phrase “Google it.” So, how can you use search terms that help you find more information about your disease?  

Carmen: 

Searching for a disease name is a good place to begin, but it’s often most helpful to combine it with a related term, so the results aren’t too general.   

For example, if you are searching for breast cancer treatment information, try searching for “breast cancer therapy” or “breast cancer treatment options.” This will provide you with more specific information and save you time filtering through potentially unrelated results. 

Carmen: 

And if you aren’t finding the information you are looking for using a phrase or term, you can always try new search words or be more specific.  

Quincy:  

So, how do you know that the search has led you to a reputable website?  

Carmen: 

Great question, Quincy.  One tip is to pay attention to how the web address ENDS.  As a reminder: 

• If it ends in .gov, then it is owned by a United States government agency. For instance, cancer.gov is the National Cancer Institute’s website.  

• A .edu means that it is run by an educational institution or academic research center. 

• A site ending in .org typically means that a non-profit, like a disease advocacy organization, operates the website. For example, powerfulpatients.org is the Patient Empowerment Network’s website. And although you would imagine that .org is ONLY issued to non-profit organizations, that is not always the case.  

• Finally, some sites may be less reputable if they are opinion-based or marketing products, so talk to your doctor about what you’ve learned. A site ending in .com or .net indicates that it is a commercial website, which can market and sell products and can host ads.

Quincy: 

And once you are on a trusted website, you can use the site navigation to lead you to your area of interest – this is usually listed on the top header or the left side of the page. Some sites also have their own search function, which is typically found at the top right of the home page.  

Carmen, we should also talk about social media sites, like Facebook and Instagram, as they host a wealth of information and support communities. And many researchers and providers post research information on the site X, formerly known as Twitter.  

Carmen: 

But how can you find the content that is important to you on social media? You can type in terms to the search bar, or users will often use something called a hashtag, which is a way of categorizing information, so it is easily searchable. For example, if I were interested in learning more about prostate cancer, I would search the hashtag #prostatecancer. That way I would see anything that has been posted and tagged related to that topic.  

Quincy: 

Thanks, Carmen. I want to point out that some of the information on social media is opinion-based and could be related to someone else’s unique experience, so remember what works for one person doesn’t always work for everyone. It’s important to evaluate the source. 

Carmen: 

A very important point! Okay, let’s recap: 

• If you aren’t finding the information you are looking for when using search terms related to your disease, try switching up the terms or make them more specific.  

• Once you are directed to a website, evaluate the source by paying attention to how the website address ends.  

• When using social media, use hashtags to access content quickly.  

• As always, use your best judgement and talk to your doctor about what you’ve learned. 

Quincy: 

We hope this video provided you with the advice you need to get the most out of searching for health information online. Download the guide that accompanies this video to learn more. 

Carmen: 

See you on the next video! 

[Quincy and Carmen wave]