Please note that this blog is no longer up-to-date. To see the most recent review of the Community guidelines, please see our more recent blog here.
We have some important information to share here on the Online Community. We have decided to trial updating part of the Community guidelines around medical images.
Our Community guidelines are what everyone agrees to when they join the Online Community. They’re in place to ensure that everyone is safe while using the site. Previously, our guidelines asked that members not to upload any photos of body parts or medical documents, as this often leads other members to try and diagnose, or offer medical advice.
We’ve seen from feedback and conversations on the site, that seeing images of people’s medical journeys can be an important source of reassurance and support. We’ve decided to update the Community guidelines to reflect this, as it is always our intention to ensure the Online Community is the best source of support it can be.
Our Community guidelines will now allow medical images of members’ bodies to be shared for the purpose of sharing experiences. We still ask that members don’t post pictures for the purpose of seeking a diagnosis or medical advice. You can read the full amended text of the guidelines here:
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Members can post pictures on the Online Community, but we ask that members do not post pictures of body parts or medical documents for the purpose of seeking a diagnosis or medical advice. If you have any concerns about cancer, please seek medical advice through your GP or healthcare team. The Community team may also remove your picture of part of your body if we feel that your image may lead to other members offering medical advice or a diagnosis, even if this is not directly requested.
Members may post medical images of their body for the purpose of providing insight into their experiences, such as showing the process of healing after surgery.
However, we ask that members do not post any images of medical documents or pictures of their genitals, breasts or any other private body part, for any purpose. We also ask that members only post medical images of themselves, not images of anyone else’s body. This is because we would be unable to verify if someone else had consented to an image of their body or body part being shared publicly on the Online Community.
If you would like to post a picture of a part of your body which includes what could be considered a scar, rash, wounds from surgery or treatment, blood, discolouration, or a removed body part, please clearly identify within the title of your post that there is an “Image of [body part/surgery] included.” Please clearly identify what is included, for example using one of the following words:
This is so that other members can choose whether they would like to view your pictures. The Community team may add this to your post if you do not include this.
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These guidelines will be in effect from today, 14 April 2021.
Here in the Community team we are always here to help, and we are open to feedback on what might work better for you as a member of the site. If you would like to share your thoughts or questions you have about our Community guidelines, please just let us know at community@macmillan.org.uk.
