Breast Cancer Research: What You Need to Know

These days, it seems like Google has an answer for everything. From “How-to” videos to podcasts, you are guaranteed to be greeted with a lengthy list of results whenever you hit that search button. While this is helpful at times, clicking through pages of results can be overwhelming.

Sorting through breast cancer news can lead you down a rabbit hole. With so much information available on the internet about this disease, it can be difficult to detect what is credible, accurate and up-to-date. But breast cancer news is not something women should have to question. That is why we created a guide to help you sort through breast cancer research.

What sources can I trust?

As you know by now, information on the internet isn’t always reliable. When sorting through breast cancer research news, it is important to know where the information is coming from. Luckily, there are several resources you can count on in your search.

Check out this list of some of the most trusted breast cancer news sources:

• American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/
  The American Cancer Society is a voluntary health organization that is a global leader in cancer research. They conduct notable studies, share prevention tactics, and fight to pass laws that are in the best interest of cancer patients.
• BreastCancer.org breastcancer.org
  BreastCancer.org is a patient focused non-profit organization that provides information and support to those living with breast cancer. They share their latest research news, create informational podcasts, and offer peer-to-peer support via free discussion boards that are monitored by professionals. 
• National Cancer Institute https://www.nih.gov/
  The National Cancer Institute is the leading funder of cancer research in the U.S. They publish articles on their research so that you can stay informed with the latest breast cancer news.
• Living Beyond Breast Cancer https://www.lbbc.org/
  Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a non-profit organization that offers free services to individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. Their services include everything from in-person programs to a blog where survivors share their own experiences.

How can I tell if my information is accurate?

It can be difficult to determine what information on the internet is accurate when sorting through breast cancer news. Take a deeper look at your source to see where the information is coming from.

What is the purpose of the article?

Think about why the article was written. Some articles are simply to entertain, while others may try to give medical advice. If you find that an article is attempting to persuade you to follow certain treatments, talk with your doctor to make sure what the author is reporting is accurate before you take any action. Every patient is different, so we strongly suggest that you do not take recommendations for treatment from anyone other than your doctor.

Was the piece reviewed by a medical professional or expert on breast cancer?

If you are reading an article that gives medical advice, look to see who provided the information. Start with the author. If you find that the author is not credentialed as an expert, check to see whether the article has been reviewed by a medical expert. This will typically be shown at the very top or bottom of an article.

Is the web address credible?

Checking the web address of a website is a good place to start to check if a source is credible. Web addresses that end with “.edu” and “.gov” are usually reliable sources. While there can be good sources outside of these web addresses, this is a good rule of thumb to follow. It is also important to know if the information is coming from an individual or an established company or institution.

How can I keep up with the latest in breast cancer research news?

Breast cancer research is constantly progressing. It is important to make sure that the news you are reading is consistent with current medical findings. When you are looking at online resources, see if the publisher included the date it was posted or last updated. You can typically find this at the bottom of the article. Many websites also have an option to sign up for emails. This is a great option if you want to stay up-to-date with cancer news.

Keeping up with breast cancer research news can seem like a whirlwind, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Lean on your family and friends for support, and reach out to your doctor if you have questions about any information you find.

Newly diagnosed? We have resources for you:

• 20 Breast Cancer Definitions You Need to Know
• Breast Form Basics

One additional resource from a non-profit we trust: 

Check out XRAYS, a rating system developed by the team at Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE). It helps you by reviewing breast cancer topics reported in the media.