Consumer Health Minute: Cancer Resources

Posted by Carolyn Martin on March 18th, 2026 Posted in: Consumer Health, Consumer Health Minute
Tags: cancer, consumer health, health information, libraries

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Many people in your community have been affected by cancer. They may have or had a friend or family member diagnosed or been diagnosed themselves. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, according to the CDC. We are all at risk of developing cancer though the risk increases as we age. Cancer can be caused by a variety of factors such as family history, environmental exposure, and lifestyle. It is estimated that about 2.1 million new cancer diagnosis will be made in 2026. The good news is that the overall cancer death rate has dropped in the last decade. Though survival rates vary by the type of cancer, the 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers is 70% from the years 2015 to 2021.

According to NCI (National Cancer Institute) the top new cancer diagnosis in 2025 were:

• Breast
• Prostate
• Lung and bronchus
• Colon and rectum

While the top types of cancer deaths in 2025 were:

• Lung and bronchus
• Colon and rectum
• Pancreas
• Breast

Information is often what many people experiencing cancer or caregivers want which is exactly what your library can offer.

Resources:

MedlinePlus
In the Health Topics tab, Cancers is included in the Disorders and Conditions section. Clicking on Cancers results in an alphabetical list of the various types of cancers as well as cancer related topics such as:

• Bone Cancer
• Cancer Alternative Therapies
• Cancer—Living with Cancer
• Childhood Leukemia
• Tumors and Pregnancy

These health topic pages often include:

• A summary
• Start Here
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis and Tests
• Treatments

Along with related links to the Medical Encyclopedia on the right side of the screen.

NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI)
You’ll find lots of information on this National Institutes of Health website. Thankfully, on the website home webpage, you’ll see information organized “For People Affected by Cancer” and one “For Researchers”.

The section for the patients and the public includes information about:

• Specific cancers
• Treatment
• Side effects
• Finding a clinical trial

Additionally, if you scroll down you’ll see “Get Answers” where you can connect with a cancer information specialist by phone, live chat, or email. You’ll find information available in Spanish and dictionaries of cancer terms, drugs, and genetic terms.

Medical Library Association (MLA)
MLA offers a list of Recommended Cancer Information put together by the MLA Cancer Librarians Caucus who review the resources for currency, credibility, content, audience, etc. Here you will find cancer resources for:

• Special population groups
• Caregivers
• Children and adolescents
• LGBTQIA+ patients

Print and Downloadable Materials

Want to provide some printed materials aside from what you can print from MedlinePlus?

National Cancer Institute includes patient education publications to download or print.

American Cancer Society has several printable documents along with a Cancer Care Toolkit and other helpful information you can offer your patrons.

CDC offers a few printable materials regarding specific cancers and related information.

But keep in mind that you are only providing health information. You are not making recommendations, interpreting the information, or relaying your own story. Remember that we are health information professionals, not healthcare professionals.