How to Find Credible Complementary Alternative Medicine Cancer Resources

Oct 18, 2017 1:51:46 PM | research Complementary Alternative Medicine Cancer Resources | achs.edu

How can you be a CAM resource is trustworthy? Especially when it relates to cancer? One method to evaluate if a resource is credible is called the CRAAP Method.

How to Find Credible Complementary Alternative Medicine Cancer Resources

How to Find Credible Complementary Alternative Medicine Cancer Resources

The Internet is full of resources; some reliable and up-to-date, others…not. How can you be certain a resource is trustworthy? One method to evaluate if a resource is credible is called the CRAAP Method[1].

CRAAP stands for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. When evaluating the credibility of a Web resource, the CRAAP method suggests you ask yourself the following questions:

  • Currency: The timeliness of the information. How recent is the information?
  • Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs. Is the information at an appropriate level?
  • Authority: The source of the information. Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor? Are the author’s credentials or organizational affiliations given?
  • Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content. Is the information on the site supported by evidence?
  • Purpose: The reason the information exists. Is the information fact? Opinion? Propaganda?

Relying on information that is credible is important, especially when it relates to health issues like cancer. Look at this resource about Using Trusted Resources from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Below, I have also provided some examples of Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) and cancer resources that are trustworthy; please feel free to explore:

1. National Cancer Institute: Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The NCI is a government agency that supports and conducts research on cancer, including detection of cancer, diagnosis, cancer prevention, and survivorship[2]. The NCI website includes a CAM subdivision, which provides credible CAM information for individuals and health professionals.

2. American Cancer Society: Complementary and Alternative Therapies 

The American Cancer Society is an organization dedicated to eliminating cancer through research, providing emotional support, and providing the latest cancer information[3].The American Cancer Society website includes a subdivision on CAM information, including methods, dietary supplements, evaluating protocols, and more. 

3. MedlinePlus – Cancer Alternative Therapies 

MedlinePlus, produced by the National Library of Medicine, provides information about diseases, wellness issues, and conditions for individuals and their families. MedlinePlus includes a section dedicated to cancer alternative therapies[4]. This portion of the site includes the latest news, a medical encyclopedia, specific articles and clinical trials, videos tutorials, and more.

For more information on finding credible sources, please feel free to email me at librarian@achs.edu.

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This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am an Online Instructional Design Librarian for American College of Healthcare Sciences, the Institution that publishes this blog. However, all opinions are my own. This blog may contain affiliate links. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

References

[1] Bluford Library (2017, July 11). Evaluating web resources. Retrieved from http://libguides.library.ncat.edu/content.php?pid=53820&sid=394505

[2] NIH National Cancer Institute (2015, April 10). Complementary and alternative medicine. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam

[3] American Cancer Society (2017). Complementary and alternative medicine. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/complementary-and-alternative-medicine.html

[4] National Library of Medicine (2017, September 2017). Cancer alternative therapies. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/canceralternativetherapies.html

Ashley Ehmig

Written By: Ashley Ehmig

Ashley received her Master of Library Science from Emporia State University, and her bachelors in general science from the University of Oregon. She has worked in libraries for seven years, including positions in academic libraries, continuing medical education, and medical archives. Ashley is passionate about providing information literacy through different technology platforms, and has an interest in instructional design and distance education. She loves working as a librarian and sharing her knowledge with others. In her free time, Ashley enjoys thrift shopping, reading in coffee shops, traveling, exploring new river spots (when it is warm), and hanging out with friends.