Cancer Information Service Turns 25

One of the most important initiatives ever undertaken by the National Cancer Institute had nothing to do with laboratories and research. Rather, it focused on "customer service" for millions of newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families seeking information about treatment options for their disease.

For the past 25 years, the Cancer Information Service (CIS) has provided the latest, most accurate information about cancer to patients, their families and the public. "The Cancer Information Service ... sets the gold standard for all health agencies," said Dr. Alan Rabson, deputy director of the National Cancer Institute, in announcing the milestone. "They are committed to providing information in a way that patients, caregivers, and the public can easily understand."

The CIS serves cancer patients and their families through 14 regional offices scattered throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Through its toll-free information service (1-800-4-CANCER) the CIS has helped nearly 9 million callers since its inception in 1976. Calls are answered in English and Spanish and with hearing assistance through TTY (1-800-332-8615).

Another initiative, the CIS Partnership Program, was established in 1990 to improve collaboration with other cancer and health-related organizations in reaching minority and medically underserved groups. More recently, the CIS instituted a Research Initiative to study ways to improve the way cancer information is delivered to patients, family members and the public.

In 2001, the CIS launched a new Internet service that provides one-on-one assistance through LiveHelp on various National Cancer Institute websites, such as CancerTrials (www.cancertrials.gov) and CancerNet (www.cancernet.nci.nih.gov). LiveHelp allows website users to directly communicate with information specialists using chat technology.

"The future of the CIS looks bright," said Mary Anne Bright, the acting chief of the CIS. "As we celebrate our past, we are renewing our dedication to helping people become informed participants in their own health care."

SOURCE:

The National Cancer Institute (www.nci.nih.gov)

[Table of Contents] [Archived Issues / Search] [The Breast Center]