Editor's note: This is the first in a series of articles presenting information on cancer and cancer-related issues. Subsequent articles will be in a question-and-answer format. Jenifer David is the Partnership Program coordinator of the Coastal Cancer Information Service.
The Cancer Information Service (CIS) is a program of the National Cancer Institute, the nation's primary agency for cancer research. It is entirely federally funded. Through a network of regional offices, CIS provides the latest and most accurate cancer information to cancer patients, their families, the public and health professionals.
It does this in four ways: by talking with people one-on-one on its telephone hotline, 800- 4-CANCER (800-422-6237); by working with organizations through its Partnership Program; by participating in research to find the best ways to help people adopt healthier behaviors; and by providing cancer information at www.nci.nih.gov on the Internet.
Virgin Islands residents have been able to access the toll-free telephone number since last Oct. 15. The calls are taken by trained professional staff members who will explain scientific information in understandable terms in either English or Spanish. These telephone specialists have the most accurate, up-to-date cancer information available.
Information is provided at no charge, and all calls are confidential. The only time a telephone specialist will request a name and address is if the caller asks to be sent written information. After the material is sent, the name and address are deleted from all records.
On St. Thomas, CIS has opened a regional Partnership Program office that aims to serve medically underserved populations in the territory. By working with local businesses and organizations, the program can provide an array of support services in areas such as cancer education, program planning and implementation, training assistance and media development.
One CIS partner in the territory is the Every Woman at Heart/V.I. Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which aims to reduce mortality from breast and cervical cancers. Available to underinsured or uninsured women who meet income guidelines, the program provides free mammograms for those over the age of 50 and free pap smears for those over the age of 18. Program staff members not only schedule medical appointments but also arrange transportation, if necessary, and provide information on health issues and treatment options. In other words, they assist clients through every step of the process, providing a continuum of care.
If you have questions, comments or concerns about cancer, we will try to answer them in the Source. I encourage Virgin Islanders to utilize CIS resources. The more you know about cancer, the more informed decisions you are able to make about health care. We look forward to hearing from you!
CIS is a vital resource for the public. Please feel free to contact me by e-mail at jenifer.david@worldnet.att.net or by telephone at 774-9000, ext. 4707. You also can mail requests for information to V.I. Health Department, Dr. John S. Moorhead Complex, Old Municipal Hospital, Bldg. F, St. Thomas, VI 00802.
For information about the free pap smear and mammogram program, call 774-9000, ext. 4643 on St. Thomas or 773-2676 on St. Croix between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.
For more information about cancer on the Internet, click on www.nci.nih.gov. Or call the CIS toll-free number, 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. local time weekdays.
