Check These Resources for Online Cancer Treatment Guidelines

By Sheryl M. Ness, RN

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you may be searching for information on treatment guidelines for your specific cancer type and stage.

Finding good, reliable sources of information online can be confusing. It’s a common question that we receive in the Cancer Education Center [at the Mayo Clinic], so I thought I’d share a couple of excellent sources to help guide you in your search.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network is a not-for-profit alliance of 26 of the world’s leading cancer centers. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center participates with NCCN as a member institution.

Through this alliance, cancer experts review the evidence and research to outline treatment recommendations. Having access to evidence-based treatment guidelines should help you be more informed when you talk with your doctor.

NCCN outlines treatment guidelines for patients for the following cancer types: breast, colon, esophageal, non-small cell lung, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate. Also, there are guidelines on caring for adolescents and young adults; chronic myelogenous leukemia; lung cancer screening; malignant pleural mesothelioma; melanoma and multiple myeloma; and soft tissue sarcoma. To learn more, visit www.ncnn.org.

The National Cancer Institute publishes its PDQ Cancer Information Summaries that include treatment guidelines. They’re reviewed by a board of experts in oncology, radiation oncology and surgical oncology. They meet regularly to review and update treatment information.  Click here to learn more.

Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.org) has the latest treatment and research information. Use the search box to find your cancer type. Treatment guidelines are reviewed by Mayo Clinic experts and based on information from past and current research and scientific evidence. This information is regularly updated.

It’s important to have reliable information to help you talk with your care team about treatment options. I hope you find these resources helpful as you’re searching online to learn more about your cancer.