When seeking advice regarding health, it is especially important for consumers to be sure that they are dealing with trustworthy sources. The National Cancer Institute has published a list of ten things you should know about evaluating medical resources on the Web. Any good health-related Web site should make it very easy for you to learn who is responsible for the site and its information. Look for the site s Mission Statement or link such as About this Site. Beware if the purpose of the site is not to provide unbiased and accurate health information.
Many Web sites post information from other Web sites or off-line sources.
Sources should always be clearly identified, even if the information comes from other Web sites or off-line sources. Authentic medical facts and figures are always based on research found in medical journals or reviewed by qualified experts. Always look for references indicating that the information is based on research published in medical journals or reviewed by qualified experts. Some sites offer links to any other site that asks for, or pays, to have a link. The source of a Web site s funding may provide a clue about its purpose, owners and other sources of income.