Simple Test Rates Accuracy Of Cancer-Related Web SitesWeb users can rate a site with four simple yes-or-no questions designed by the authors of "The Internet for Medical Information About Cancer: Help or Hindrance?" (Psychosomatics, 44:100-103, April 2003).
Each "yes" answer is considered a "red flag" -- a warning to users that the Web site is likely to have vague or scientifically inaccurate information. The questions are:
1. Is online purchasing permitted?
2. Are "patient testimonials" available?
3. Is the treatment described as a "cancer cure"?
4. Is the treatment described as "having no side effects"?
