These days, most of us head straight to the Internet for information, but the web can be just as harmful as it is helpful because anybody can publish anything.

Out of context information can be misleading, sources can be biased, and bad information — or even too much of it — can compound the trauma of cancer. And there is so much information on the web that it can be overwhelming, not to mention downright scary.

How do we find credible sources? A few months back, I wrote a post called “Evaluating Online Information,” which was a short guide. Now there’s a whole book on the subject!

Andrew Schorr, himself a cancer survivor and founder of Patient Power, authored "The Web-Savvy Patient: An Insider’s Guide to Navigating The Internet When Facing Medical Crisis."

From beginning to end, the book is packed with insight and information to help us get the best from the web, whether it’s information about cancer or any other illness.

Using stories of real people who have used the web, Andrew explains how anyone can find reliable information that they can use to have meaningful discussions with their doctors, participate effectively in their own care, and make informed decisions — all of which can improve the quality of life.

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn how to navigate effectively through the maze of information. You can find the book at its website and learn more about Andrew at Patient Power, an online patient resource.

Dear Readers: Thanks for following Candid Cancer! I’m taking a short break but will be back on Fridays soon. Betsy

Previous installments of Candid Cancer are archived here.

Betsy de Parry is the author of The Roller Coaster Chronicles, a book about her experience with cancer and the shorter, serialized version she wrote for annarbor.com. Her new book, Adventures in Cancer Land, will be available this fall. Find her on Facebook or email her.