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Macmillan cancer charity appoints digital nurse to combat 'fake news' online

Macmillan Cancer Support has appointed a digital nurse in a bid to combat 'fake news' online
Macmillan Cancer Support has appointed a digital nurse in a bid to combat 'fake news' online Macmillan Cancer Support has appointed a digital nurse in a bid to combat 'fake news' online

A LEADING cancer support charity has appointed a digital nurse in a bid to combat 'fake news' online.

Macmillan Cancer Support has created the position in response to a growing demand for online information about cancer, diagnosis and treatment.

It is also concerned that patients are coming away from appointments without the information they need and are turning to unverified internet sites, leaving them needlessly frightened and at risk of bogus cures.

The digital nurse specialist will be solely dedicated to answering questions from people affected by cancer online, on Macmillan's social media platforms and the charity's online community.

Ellen McPeake has been appointed to the new role and said she wanted cancer patients to know that charities like Macmillan are there to offer reliable health advice.

"I'm there to make sure people affected by cancer have a real person they can turn to online for information about their symptoms, cancer diagnosis and treatment," she said.

Heather Monteverde, head of services for Macmillan in Northern Ireland added: "When someone learns they have cancer, it's really important that healthcare professionals fully explain what their diagnosis means and the support available to them. They should be able to signpost their patients to trusted sources online so they aren't left open to incorrect or misleading information."