Advances in technology means Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being tried and tested to improve the way we live our lives. Some people use online AI tools to find information. From finding opening times for shops and looking for travel information when planning a trip. When it comes to cancer care, there is lots of information AI can provide, but do you know what information can be trusted? In this blog, we explore how Community members have used Artificial intelligence, and how AI is being used in cancer care.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that helps computers perform a variety of tasks in ways that used to require human intelligence. From understanding language, analysing data, and even providing information.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is both part of the problem and a potential solution. Most of us will be familiar now with AI-generated summaries of our internet searches, but current AI models can only sort through what is there, not place a value judgment on it.
If the internet is full of misinformation, AI may then repeat that.
Our Chief Medical Officer, Professor Richard Simcock, wrote the Tackling misinformation in health blog. It explores cancer truths in the context of misinformation, disinformation and how we can work to combat these.
It is common to feel overwhelmed when you have lots of information to process. It’s important that you access information you can trust. There is a lot of misinformation online so using trusted sources of information can help you make decisions and feel reassured.
Learn more in our video, 6 tips on how to find reliable health information online.
“I don’t know if I did the right thing or not, but I put my dad’s results into chatGPT to try gauge any info to help and now I’m even more stressed.”
Community member, ‘Aggressive prostate cancer’, Ask a Nurse forum
“AI is a really useful tool if used correctly.”
Community member, ‘In middle of diagnosis complete lack of information’, prostate cancer forum
Macmillan is a member of the Patient Information Forum (PIF). That’s why you’ll see the PIF tick at the bottom of our webpages, and on the back of our booklets. It shows that we’ve done everything we can to make sure our information is:
Read the ‘Trusting cancer information’ blog for more details about the quality of the information Macmillan produces and why you can trust it.
“It's a lot to take in at the start, I remember feeling like I needed someone to project manage it all for me. But it does get easier. I'd also recommend not to Google, but the Macmillan website does have some useful information to browse through when you feel up to it.”
- Community member, ‘New diagnosis- Her2 positive chemo on the way’ discussion thread, Breast cancer forum
“I was completely overwhelmed by the amount of information - and I had no idea of the significance of a lot of what I was told at the time. So, as you get chance, read all you can but stick with reputable sources such as MacMillan, Breast Cancer Now or Cancer Research as you know their info is accurate and up to date.”
- Community member, ‘New diagnosis- Her2 positive chemo on the way’ discussion thread, Breast cancer forum
If you are looking for trusted cancer information, speak to our Information Nurse specialists and Cancer Support Advisors in the Ask an Expert section of the Online Community. You can also speak to these teams by contacting the Macmillan Support Line. It is open every day from 8 am to 8 pm. To get in touch, please call 0808 808 00 00, send an email or start a live webchat during the opening hours.
There is also lots of information on the Macmillan website and in our booklets. You can download and order a copy of the information booklet for free.
Artificial intelligence may also help with practical needs and support development in cancer care. Here are some ways Community members have used Artificial intelligence in their cancer experiences:
“This morning, I made audio recordings of my voice, using a script largely provided by Chat GPT, which aimed to combine all the necessary phonetic sounds with recordings that my kids might also find useful (but mainly the former). I can use a service to create an AI model of my voice. Yeah, I know it sounds pretty Black Mirror. But if anyone wants to know more, ask away. :)
P.S. I haven't been able to record the whole thing yet. Because one section of the script where I talk to my children is currently IMPOSSIBLE to record without blubbing!”
-Community member, ‘referral for tongue biopsy’ discussion, Head and neck cancer forum
“Everyone’s side effects little different, so just keep good communication with your oncology team. I also follow research in oncology, groups like Ardigen working on AI-driven drug discovery, it give me some hope how treatments keep improving.”
-Community member, ‘TC chemotherapy’ discussion thread, Breast cancer forum
"Today, ChatGPT also created a pain tracker Google Sheet for me, so I could keep track of the pain in my tongue and gain perspective over that…it created a base script for me to help me record my voice for a potential AI model.”
-Community member, ‘Referral for tongue biopsy’ discussion, Head and neck cancer forum
Have you used AI in your cancer journey, if so, we are interested to hear your experiences. Please don’t copy and paste information found via AI as this will breach our Community guidelines.
