The amount of medical information that is currently available can be overwhelming. Before conducting medical research:

• Think about your goals.
  • The internet is a good source of information for your own education. This makes it a good source to help you be an informed consumer before making medical decisions.
  • When it comes to a diagnosis, it is preferable to seek the opinion of a doctor or other health professional.
• Think about your personality.
  • Are the basics enough?
  • Does a lot of information send you into overload?
  • Can you keep in mind that statistics indicate what has happened to large numbers of people historically and that they do not predict the future?
  • Do you assume that worst case situations is what will happen to you?
• Keep in mind:
  • That information does not predict what will happen to any particular individual.
  • The old adage: trust but verify.

There are a variety of sources where you can obtain medical information. Sources to consider are:

• Your doctor or hospital
• A pharmacist
• Disease specific non-profits
• Support groups
• The Federal government
• The Internet
• Libraries

Each source is discussed in more detail below.

If you or a friend/family member don't want to conduct medical research yourself, there are research services available. (See the document in "To Learn More")

Keep track of all questions that come up from your research. Also keep track of information you learn about your condition, a drug, a treatment or a complementary treatment. Ask your doctor your questions and always bring to his or her attention new information. Your doctor will help you determine each of the following:

• Reliability of the particular information.
• Whether the information applies to you.
• If the information does apply to you, how it applies.

Strong emotions are likely to surface as you do research. There are tips to keep them in check. Don't let them keep you from learning what you need to know about your condition or possible treatments.

Survivorship A to Z helps you keep track of questions or information to talk to your doctor about. See "To Learn More."

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