The Cancer Information Service (CIS) is the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) link to the public, interpreting and explaining research findings in a clear and understandable manner. The mission of the CIS is to provide the latest, most accurate information on cancer to all those in need. Established in 1975, the CIS uses two primary program components to provide information about cancer; a toll-free telephone service, 1-800-4-CANCER, and a partnership program that works with organizations to reach minority and medically underserved populations. Both program components operate on the same principles: responsively tailoring information to audience needs, and proactively sharing information. The telephone service provides individualized, confidential interactions. Information is given on a level consistent with the caller's knowledge. The partnership program brings cancer information to people who do not traditionally seek health information. Partnerships are built with organizations that have a direct link to medically underserved and minority communities, providing equal access to cancer information from a trusted source.
Composed of a network of 14 regional offices serving all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the CIS is one of the nation's premier laboratories for cancer communications research. In this area, the CIS explains scientific findings in understandable terms for the public, introduces people to clinical trials, and researches ways to promote healthier behaviors and communicate health information effectively.
Millions of callers have been helped since the CIS began in 1975. Trained cancer education specialists answer over 2,000 calls daily and over 600,000 calls annually. Nationally, the partnership program handles 100,000 requests annually from 4,500 organizations nationwide that are seeking their cancer-related expertise.