The Testicular Cancer Research Centre
"Providing Testicular Cancer Information and Support since 1996."
Since I became editor, the content of "Cancer Care News" has reflected the current political and professional focus on breast and prostate cancers; so it was especially gratifying to be able to redress the balance and find, and talk, about another cancer and in particular this site.
As the site proclaims in its header, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35. The Testicular Cancer Resource Center provides, to my mind, the most comprehensive on-line resource, for specific cancer information, advice and support available.
The site layout is attractive simplicity itself (with their awards listed on the bottom of the home page to prove a point). The user is encouraged to search through various, clearly signposted and descriptive headings, such as general information and support with "Questions to ask - be prepared for your visit to the doctor"; or "Specific testing and treatment information - surveillance: observation is a legitimate treatment option!"
The home page information is presented initially in simple text, but most subsequent pages are complemented by excellent graphics and/or links to additional sites, such as pathology slides (an excellent resource for teaching), urology advice or google for extending searches.
Sensible information, advice and support from patients who have had the disease is given in a most relaxed and often hilarious fashion; the co$t of TC is subtitled "you want how much to cut off my what?! (this is an American site remember). A specific page of jokes, cartoons and anecdote (which are rated like the cinema) is included which might offend some but equally may serve to highlight the reality that living with cancer is serious but can also be looked at in an amusing, kid gloves off sort of way.
The completeness of content, which is regularly updated - it was 3 weeks when I logged on - appealing, good design and familiar approach make this a well recommended site for patients, and for all professionals not necessarily just those who work in this field who may find the links alone beneficial.