Patients and others who want to know more about cancer and how it is treated can obtain PDQ information from their doctors or by contacting the NCI's Cancer Information Service (CIS). This service, staffed by trained information specialists, provides answers to cancer-related questions from the public, cancer patients and their families, as well as health professionals. Counselors who speak Spanish are available.
Individuals with questions can call toll-free 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) to be connected to the CIS office serving their area. The counselors at this number use PDQ to obtain information on state-of-the-art treatment and clinical trials for callers. The call and the information are free.
Publications The CIS supplies free publications to patients and families with specific questions on cancer and its treatment. The following is a partial list of helpful publications:
• Anticancer Drug Information Sheets
• Advanced Cancer: Living Each Day
• Chemotherapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help During Treatment
• Eating Hints: Recipes and Tips for Better Nutrition During Cancer Treatment
• Facing Forward: A Guide for Cancer Survivors
• Radiation Therapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help During Treatment
• Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer and the People Who Care About Them
• What Are Clinical Trials All About?
• What You Need to Know About Cancer (a series of disease-specific pamphlets)
