Patient Information: Useful Links
General Information
The following are general web-based resources for all oncology-related needs:
Comprehensive consumer-directed web site on all aspects of cancer care: risk reduction, prevention, diagnosis, alternative care, etc. Enter specific cancer type into the "search" or "disease profile" windows. Under disease sites, contains user groups and support areas.
A data base from the National Cancer Institute. It includes PDQ (Physician Data Query; http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/pdq.html ) a state-of-the-art statement on each type of cancer. This is divided into patient consumer and provider parts. The provider one has a detailed description of the staging evaluation, prognosis, and standard treatment for each cancer. Other areas include NCI-sponsored clinical trials, a directory of cancer centers and oncologists. It's not intended for use to support reimbursement claims or other insurance related issues.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
An extensive, user-friendly web page for cancer patients and their families. Contains many links to other valuable sites. Also, there are many specific need-directed user groups, message boards and support areas. OncoLink is edited and monitored by the Oncology service at the University of Pennsylvania.
This site features information on cancer drugs, medical research, and treatment guidelines. It also contains a Live Chat section to allow patients and family members to connect with others, talk, and find support.
Professional Support
The following web sites are designed for oncology practitioners and practices and require membership or a subscription. They also have limited public access sites:
American Society of Clinical Oncologists ASCO Online
The leading scientific and research organization in the world for cancer research and treatment. Contains full text of The Journal of Clinical Oncology, news on cancer-related subjects, treatment guidelines, etc.
Association of Community Cancer Centers
Maintains a compendium of approved indications for chemotherapy agents and the reimbursement. Also serves as a lobbying and political access service to the US Congress, HCFA, etc. on cancer-related topics, supports state oncology societies.
Enormously useful and detailed information on all aspects of health care. Consumer and professional-related information on drugs, devices, food, rumors, news stories, etc.
Insurers
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts