Introduction
The vast array of internet sources requires unique approaches tailored to each. However, besides entertainment and shopping websites, others have a direct influence on people’s health and lives. For example, one can determine which healthcare resources support patient recommendations. These websites can have beneficial and rational effects on treatment, but also cause significant harm. Every internet site that provides recommendations on health issues, such as skin cancer, should be appropriately regulated and supported by sufficient data.
Criteria Identification
To develop criteria for assessing the validity or reliability of the websites for the chosen topic, it is essential to begin with the search process. Using Google search tools, it is possible to find thousands of websites concerning sun protection and skin care prevention. However, one should pay close attention to specific details.
First, the website’s position in the search engine results list. Google shows not only the most popular results at the top of the page but also those that are credible and have a good reputation (Maya, 2018). Consequently, one can determine specific sites, which is already helpful in this first determination stage. The first criterion is the website’s position in Google search results.
The second criterion for identifying a credible website may not be immediately evident, but it plays a significant role in determining whether a website is qualitative and trustworthy. The issue concerns the website’s respect for users’ privacy and rights, as well as the clear presentation of its policies and rules. For example, it is crucial to consider one of the websites chosen for this paper: the Cancer Council website.
Attentive users will note that when entering this site, it displays brief information about delivering personalized content while using cookies. Moreover, it proposes that users research the website’s cookie policy (Preventing Skin Cancer, n.d.). This issue is crucial in understanding how the website aligns with current policies and laws, as well as its general approach to user interaction.
While previous criteria were tied to the general specifications, the following points will be explicitly tied to the site’s content. The third criterion of the determination is whether the website represents a particular institution, organization, or association. It means that if the website is connected with, for example, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, it exponentially increases the validity and scientific base of the presented information.
It is necessary to determine whether the website has sections such as ‘About Us’ or ‘What We Do.’ They should contain accurate information, such as whether the website, company, or its services are presented in the media or news, or whether it has partnerships. Additionally, detailed information about the researchers, writers, and other contributors to this website’s content should be provided.
The Fourth criterion concerns the website’s content itself. When considering it, one should take into account various factors, such as links to specific research and associated statistics. The information should be cited and contain the author’s name, degree or background, publication date, and, if applicable, the institution. The information should be written precisely, relate only to the discussion topic, and avoid any sub-intentions, such as advertising, selling, or discussing other topics.
In addition, because the chosen topic, sun protection and skin cancer prevention, relates to medicine, particular attention should be paid to recommendations for specific medications and treatment issues. A credible website will include a disclaimer stating that only specialists can prescribe the appropriate remedy for the patient. Otherwise, without this sign, the website is likely aimed just at selling something and, therefore, is unreliable (Maya, 2018). Therefore, it is crucial to construct the site in accordance with these recommendations.
Valid Websites
Cancer Council
This resource is dedicated entirely to cancer. The main categories presented on the site are cancer information, support and services, and information about the organization (Preventing Skin Cancer, n.d.). Considering the question of skin cancers and possible protection methods, the site has a dedicated page on the topic (Treatment, n.d.). This website is valid because it follows all criteria stated above. It provides various references and links, allowing users to research information on preventing skin cancer (Preventing Skin Cancer, n.d.). It is specified on the topic of cancer treatment without any advertisements or selling issues.
Moreover, it contains specific signs indicating the need to consult a doctor and seek medical attention. According to Treatment (n.d.), “your doctor should discuss treatment options with you and explain the benefits and risks involved” (p. 1). In the About Us section, users can find information about the website’s researchers and writers, who create the content. Additionally, this website provides information about its cookies and user privacy policies, which meet the first criterion. All the points mentioned above highlight the validity of the information presented on the Cancer Council site and stress its scientific basis.
Cancer Institute NSW
The information on this site is presented precisely and coherently, and it contains specific research links. However, the main advantage is that, at the bottom of the page, it lists the sources mentioned. It allows one to find evidence of the material discussed and conduct further research on the topic. The website provides various pieces of advice regarding skin protection, including information on shade issues and sun protection for outdoor workers (Preventing Skin Cancer, n.d.).
However, it also states that appropriate consultation with specialists is essential. In general, the information provided by Cancer Institute NSW consists of scientific and educational materials designed to assist people, rather than to promote or advertise products.
The Ohio State University
This website was chosen as the third valid source. First, it aligns with the third criterion, which is alignment with a specific organization or institution. It stresses the scientific foundation of the data presented. It features a comprehensive About Us section that provides information on leaders, social media presence, publications, reports, and other details (About Us, n.d.).
Another critical issue regarding this website is the fourth criterion, as the site’s content includes various links and references to authorities on information about skin protection and skin cancer (Skin Cancers, n.d.). It is vital that, at the bottom, one can also find the writer’s contact information, such as telephone numbers, in case specific questions arise.
Unreliable Websites
Vincent C. Hung, MD
This website can be considered unreliable, as it focuses not only on cancer and skin cancer but also on skin protection. Additionally, Dr. Vincent presented other services, including reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery (Skin Cancer, n.d.). This fact undermines the website’s scientific basis and validity, as it lacks focus on a single issue. As a result, the suspects who used the website’s advertising and sales approaches emerged.
Additionally, links to important information, such as policies and guidelines, are missing. Advertisements for Dr. Vincent’s services are featured throughout the website. There are no references or links to specific recommendations for preventing skin cancer or for forming a diet (9 Nutrients to Add, n.d.). Therefore, the website of Vincent C. Hung was deemed invalid because it does not meet any of the mentioned criteria.
Johns Hopkins Medicine
The primary disadvantage of this website, particularly regarding skin protection and skin cancer, is the lack of a clear description of the researchers’ or writers’ backgrounds and qualifications. For example, the post concerning sunscreen and the morning routine is invalid and lacks a scientific basis (Sunscreen and Your Morning Routine, n.d.).
There is no information available about the author of the blog, Anna Chien (Anna Lien-Lun Chien, n.d.). This issue is crucial and can lead to overlooking other criteria, as medicine requires accurate data from researchers and specialists before making recommendations and providing treatments.
The Dangers of Making Website Recommendations to Patients
As reflected in the website evaluations, it is crucial to emphasize the need for explicit confirmation of the data presented. The healthcare sphere, particularly in the context of skin cancer and protection, requires various links and sources to support the rationality and safety of any recommendations. Therefore, it is necessary to provide thorough data on scientists and writers, as well as on the institution. Moreover, every medical site must emphasize the importance of consulting specialists.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to emphasize the uniqueness of medical websites. When creating such sources, it is essential to understand that these recommendations may directly impact people’s lives and health. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the criteria identified in this paper to construct a safe and helpful internet source. Additionally, every website should contain as much accurate and detailed information as possible about the institution or organization it represents.
References
About Us. (n.d.). The Ohio State University.
Anna Lien-Lun Chien. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Maya, L. (2018). Google ranking secrets: Dominate the first page of google rankings. Publisher s21598.
Preventing Skin Cancer. (n.d.). Cancer Council.
Preventing Skin Cancer. (n.d.). Cancer institute NSW.
Treatment. (n.d.). Cancer Council.
Skin Cancer. (n.d.). Vincent C. Hung, MD.
Skin Cancers. (n.d.). The Ohio State University.
Sunscreen and Your Morning Routine. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Medicine.
9 Nutrients To Add To Your Diet To Help Prevent Skin Cancer. (n.d.). Vincent C. Hung, MD.