All three publications are also available in hard copy for free from:

The National Guideline Clearinghouse makes clinical practice guidelines available to the public via the World Wide Web. The Clearinghouse was developed by Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, the American Medical Association, and the American Association of Health Plans.

Taking Part in Clinical Trials: What Cancer Patients Need to Know
This information from the National Cancer Institute describes how clinical trials work, and their possible benefits and drawbacks. It is also available in hard copy for free from the Cancer Information Service, 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237), 9:00 a.m.-4:30p.m. EST.

When You Need an Operation
This brochure by the American College of Surgeons covers how to assess a surgeon's qualifications, whether to seek a second opinion, and informed consent and cost issues. It and 12 other informational brochures are available in hard copy for free from:

Healthfinder
Provides a gateway to reliable consumer health information from the U.S. Government and other organizations. Information about women's health, men's health, and treatments for arthritis, diabetes, and other conditions is available from the Health Pages online magazine.