Where to Go for Further Information on Thyroid Cancer

If you're looking for quality thyroid cancer information, you may be tempted to go to the Internet for answers. While there are many excellent websites available to educate the public on thyroid cancer, not all thyroid cancer information sites are accurate, and it's important to base your decisions and concerns on information from reputable health information sites.

In addition to finding information online, there are also support groups available that can help you learn more about the potential causes, symptoms and treatments of thyroid cancer.

If you or a loved one have recently been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, some of the best ways to educate yourself about the disease include:

• Asking your doctor for a referral to a thyroid cancer specialist, who may be able to answer your most specific questions about the disease
• Reaching out to support groups for survivors of (and patients with) thyroid cancer
• Reading more about the disease in medical publications
• Surfing the Internet to learn more
• Talking to your doctor about symptoms, treatment plans and your prognosis.

However, as you're no doubt aware, all online health information sites are not created equal, and no website can replace a trained and professional healthcare provider. In the same vein, many thyroid cancer patients find that gathering information online is not as useful as talking to a person (or group of people) who have survived a thyroid cancer diagnosis.

Finding Thyroid Cancer Information Online

Researching thyroid cancer online is an excellent way to educate yourself about your diagnosis. If you're looking for specific thyroid cancer information, such as tips on low-iodine cooking or upcoming clinical trials, delving into focused sites can help you find the health information you're looking for.

Some sites you may want to visit include:

• The National Cancer Institute (NCI): NCI is the US federal government's principal agency for cancer research, training, information- sharing and more. Their site is full of thyroid cancer information, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and questions to ask your doctor. The NCI website is www.cancer.gov.
• The American Cancer Society (ACS): This long-standing volunteer organization, devoted to providing the public with the information on cancer and support they need, has more than 3,400 local offices. Their "Thyroid Cancer: Detailed Guide," is a comprehensive source for thyroid cancer information. Explore their site at www.cancer.org.
• THYCA: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc.: This organization provides support and information to those with thyroid cancer, their families and friends and health care professionals. Look for all kinds of information on cancer, from tips on low iodine to support networks at their website, www.thyca.org.
• EndocrineWeb: With an editorial board consisting of leaders in endocrinology, this site offers extensive and medically focused thyroid cancer information. Find them at their website, www.endocrineweb.com.
• The Light of Life Foundation: This non-profit organization, founded by a thyroid cancer patient, is devoted to spreading the word about thyroid cancer, and has lots of easy to use thyroid cancer information at www.checkyourneck.com.

Resources

American Cancer Society staff. (n.d.). Detailed guide: Thyroid cancer. Retrieved April 5, 2010, from the American Cancer Society Web site: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_3x.asp?rnav=cridg