Patients depend on the internet for health information, but when it comes to colorectal cancer, currently available resources are not meeting their needs. A new study finds that there is a notable variation in accuracy, quality and readability of patient-oriented web information on colorectal cancer. Further, most websites lack important information regarding polyps and their importance for future follow-up surveillance colonoscopies. These findings were recently published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA).
Recognizing the lack of high-quality patient websites written at appropriate reading levels, AGA recently launched its new PatientINFO Center to provide credible, accessible information to patients on a vast array of GI conditions and procedures, including colorectal cancer.
Looking to the study's findings, here is how AGA's newly released resources differ from colorectal cancer information already on the web:
"High-quality and readable websites are essential to provide patients with reliable information to make informed decisions on colorectal screening and surveillance participation," said lead study author Eline Schreuders, MD, from Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands. "We appreciate that AGA kept these principles in mind when developing their new PatientINFO Center. We look forward to incorporating this resource into future studies."
In the U.S., colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed among men and women and the second leading cause of death from cancer. Colorectal cancer largely can be prevented through routine screening. For additional information on colorectal cancer, view AGA's new patient resources.
Each of the below is publicly available by visiting http://www.gastro.org/patient-care/conditions-diseases/colorectal-cancer.
Story Source:
Materials provided by American Gastroenterological Association. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
Journal Reference:
Cite This Page: