For More Information

The Cancer Information Service (CIS) is a nationwide toll-free telephone program sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. Trained information specialists are available to answer questions about cancer from the public, cancer patients and their families, and health professionals. By calling the following toll-free number, you will be automatically connected to the CIS office serving your area: 1-800-4-CANCER. Spanish speaking staff members are also available.

The National Cancer Institute also has developed PDQ (Physician Data Query), a computerized database designed to give doctors quick and easy access to:

• The latest treatment information for most types of cancer.
• Descriptions of clinical trials that are open for patient entry.
• Names of organizations and physicians involved in cancer care.

To get access to PDQ, a doctor can use an office computer with a telephone hookup and a PDQ access code or the services of a medical library with online searching capability. Most Cancer Information Service offices (1-800-4-CANCER) provide physicians with free PDQ searches and can tell doctors how to get regular access to the database. Patients may ask their doctor to use PDQ or may call 1-800-4-CANCER themselves. Information specialists at this toll-free number use a variety of sources, including PDQ, to answer questions about cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.