With an estimated 70% of Americans looking to the internet for health information,1 it is no surprise that many cancer patients and caregivers search online for nutrition information. In the vast amount of nutrition information targeted at cancer survivors, it can be overwhelming to identify what information is accurate. A lot of nutrition information about cancer is eye-catching with bold titles, colorful videos, remarkable claims, and endorsements by well-known people. However, online nutrition information does not always go through a validation or review processes, and inaccurate information is very common2. Some patients may try overly restrictive diets, food fads, or harmful supplements based on misinformation, which can result in negative consequences.
To avoid nutrition misinformation, use the following criteria to evaluate if a website or online resource provides reliable information:
Type of website
What type of website is providing the information?
The most trusted websites are addresses that end with “.org,” “.edu,” “.gov” and websites owned by a health care or nonprofit organization. Examples include: bloodcancerunitednutrition.org, www.vanderbilt.edu, and www.cancer.gov.
Website domains with .com and .net are often related to commercial and business sites. (We will look at concerns around commercial influences below). So, dive into the website to find its’ mission, history and leadership to check that a website aligns with your needs.
Lack of commercial activity
Is the website trying to make money?
Look for educational and scientific websites free of commercial sponsorships, advertisements and links to products or services for sale. Online sites that share cancer nutrition information and strategies which support health and food variety without marketing pitches are a good place to start. You can also check if the author of the nutrition information reports any conflict of interest with a commercial entity. Conflicts of interest may suggest biased information so proceed with caution.
Credible nutrition and health information
Who is the author and what are their credentials?
Credible websites list the author’s or reviewer’s credentials. Look for authors and/or reviewers with experience in oncology (cancer) nutrition that are listed as medical, advanced practice, or relevant professionals such as registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), advanced credentials like a master’s degree and/or Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO) from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Don’t be fooled by videos and articles that are posted by social media influencers without valid credentials or experience.
Date of the information posting
When was the information written or last updated?
Science changes rapidly. Look for information that was posted within the last 5 years or so. Older studies and research can pave the way for more current findings and recommendations. Larger and more recent studies can delve further into relationships between food, nutrition, and cancer survivorship. So don’t miss the latest!
Balanced presentation of information
Is the information balanced?
Reliable information is presented in a balanced manner with facts, discussions, and suggestions. There may be information about healthy eating patterns, nutrition findings from research studies or clinical practice, and areas that require more in-depth study. Be cautious about testimonials showing one person’s experience. Their experience may not necessarily be backed by science or safe for everyone on their cancer journey. Research findings are not always causative, meaning, for example, there may be a relationship or correlation between eating green food and reducing cancer risk. But that doesn’t mean green food prevents all cancer. Nourishing your body on your cancer journey includes eating a variety of foods and beverages that support your health and provide energy. Outrageous claims for cures, using food restrictions to avoid standard medical treatment and miracle outcomes are dangerous. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is false. Run!
Related to your cancer type
Does the information relate to your cancer diagnosis?
Look for nutrition strategies and recommendations specific to your type of cancer, side effects and treatment plan. Cancer nutrition care is not a one-size-fits-all process. For example, nutrition strategies for digestive cancers may not be suitable for blood cancers, and vice versa. You may also have other medical conditions and food intolerances that require additional food modifications from what you see online. Seek personalized nutrition care from a trusted nutrition professional like a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) with experience in cancer care.
The internet is a tool to see current trends, learn possible strategies to meet your nutrition goals, and find questions to ask your healthcare team. Discuss with your medical team any dietary changes and online information before you make them part of your lifestyle. Caution—the internet is not a substitute for personalized nutrition and medical care on your cancer journey. Each person, their cancer experience, and nutrition needs are unique. Online information that promises fantastic outcomes and perhaps cancer cures may limit your response to your treatment and quality of life. Be smart by reading information with a critical eye by using these 6 criteria to evaluate nutrition information online.
Through Blood Cancer United’s Nutrition Education Services Center patients and caregivers of all cancer types can receive a free nutrition consultation with a registered dietitian who has expertise in oncology nutrition.
Blood Cancer United resources:
Nutrition Handbook
FAQs About Nutrition and Cancer
References:
- Teplinsky, E., Ponce, S.B., Drake E.K., Garcia A.M., Loeb S., Van Londen, G.J., Teoh, D., Thompson, M., and Schapira, L. Online Medical Misinformation in Cancer: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction. JCO Oncology Practice (2022). Volume 18, Number 8. https://doi.org/10.1200/OP.21.00764
- Warner, E.L., Basen-Engquist, K.M., Badger, T.A., Crane, T.E, and Raber-Ramsey, M. The Online Cancer Nutrition Misinformation: A framework of behavior change based on Exposure to Cancer Nutrition Misinformation. ACS Journals (2022). https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.34218
