S5 Ep7: Dr Liz & Dan on finding reliable information about cancer

Breast Cancer Now

In this episode, Laura talks to Dr Liz O'Riordan and Dan Wills about the ways to find reliable breast cancer information, as well as tips on how to spot misinformation and false facts. They also delve into the issues surrounding health claims on social media and how they can be harmful to people with cancer.
Dr Liz O'Riordan is a breast cancer expert who worked as a breast surgeon before receiving a diagnosis herself. She's now an accredited Trusted Information Creator, podcast host and author. You can follow Liz on Instagram @oriordanliz and find all her links on her Linktree.
Dan Wills works for the Patient Information Forum (PIF), an independent body for people working in health information and support. They run the quality mark for health information – the PIF TICK – which is on all of Breast Cancer Now's patient information.
We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. For information and support, visit our website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).
You can also watch this episode on YouTube.
Listen to Liz's previous episode on the Breast Cancer Now podcast.
You can visit NHS Predict, as mentioned in this episode, to see how different treatments for early invasive breast cancer might improve survival rates after surgery.
Key Topics:
0:00 Introduction
0:24 Laura introduces Dr Liz and Dan
1:37 Dr Liz's background and diagnosis
5:45 Dan outlines the work of the Patient Information Forum (PIF)
6:20 The trusted information accreditation, the PIF TICK
11:01 Liz highlights how she creates reliable information
12:26 Should we use the internet to get answers?
22:23 What sources of breast cancer information can we trust?
26:46 Debunking false claims
27:29 How can I find out how long I have to live?
29:45 Can you ask for a second opinion?
31:09 Red flags and ways to identify untrustworthy information
36:59 Tips on deciphering jargon-heavy scientific studies
38:03 What needs to change in breast cancer?