They search out the best treatments and provoke their doctors into giving their case heightened attention. It can help patients feel more comfortable with their doctor's recommendations, or provide leads to treatments their physician may not have mentioned, or even know about. Serious medical research can be daunting. But medical librarians say there is no reason a motivated person can't take on the challenge. They can research that on the Internet.
Databases now exist of literature citations and clinical trials.
Medical societies are starting to put up summaries of talks on the most cutting-edge research online. And more medical journals are allowing access to some or all of their content through the Web. There is a tremendous loss of a sense of control when you learn you have cancer. It can make you feel like you're in charge - that there's something you can do to improve your odds. That alone can make you feel a lot better.