Some breast cancer Web sites may misinform

February 11, 2008

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new study suggests that a small number of Web sites dedicated to breast cancer offer inaccurate information, though the likelihood is greater with those that focus on alternative medicine.

In an analysis of 343 Web sites, researchers found that 5 percent contained false or misleading statements about breast cancer. Those focusing on complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM, were nearly 16 times more likely to have inaccurate information.

"Most breast cancer information that consumers are likely to encounter online is accurate," Dr. Elmer V. Bernstam and colleagues at the University of Texas in Houston report in the journal Cancer.

However, they add, "web pages that contain information about CAM are relatively likely to contain inaccurate statements."

What's more, the researchers found, the "quality" markers that consumers are often advised to look for -- such as whether the Web site lists its sources, or gives authors' credentials -- were not good predictors of whether the information was accurate.

So while relatively few Web sites contained outright false or misleading breast cancer information, Bernstam's team recommends that people still maintain some skepticism about online medical advice.

For their study, the researchers reviewed Web sites with information on preventing, screening for and treating breast cancer. The sites were run by a range of organizations, from commercial groups to government agencies, non-profits and universities.

They found that just over 5 percent of the sites contained false or misleading information. Of 15 sites with an emphasis on alternative medicine, one-third had inaccuracies, according to the researchers.

They also point out that even when Web sites are free of false statements, that does not mean consumers will get comprehensive or high-quality information about breast cancer.

Online information is generally "scattered" across various Web sites, the researchers note, and any given site will likely give consumers answers to a limited number of questions.

"In other words, the Internet may tell the truth but not the whole truth," Bernstam and his colleagues write.

They suggest that people looking for medical information online keep "healthy levels of skepticism," and always consult a doctor before following any online health advice.