Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, and a critical strategy in cancer control efforts is the education of Americans about steps they can take to prevent cancer, detect it early when treatment is most likely to be effective, and choose the best treatment plan. For nearly 30 years, the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service has been providing the latest and most accurate cancer information to patients, their families, health professionals, and the public. Through its network of regional offices and partnerships with nonprofit, private, and other government agencies, the CIS reaches people who do not traditionally seek health information. For those who do seek information, the CIS offers a toll-free telephone number (1-800-4-CANCER) and an instant messaging service (LiveHelp) on the NCI's Web site (www.cancer.gov) . The CIS also provides assistance to smokers through NCI's Smoking Quitline at 1-877-44U-QUIT. You can learn more about the CIS at www.cancer.gov/cis or by calling 1-800-4-CANCER.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is under contract with the National Cancer Institute (Contract #HHSN261200511001C) to serve New York State through the Partnership Program.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is also under contract with the National Cancer Institute to operate one of four Contact Centers. The Contact Centers provide cancer and smoking cessation information by telephone, TTY, and instant messaging in response to inquiries from the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Associated Pacific Territories.
