NCI Cancer Information Service Partnership Program
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
(NCI) Cancer Information Service (CIS) 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 may have limited access to
health information.
As part of our efforts to address cancer health disparities
in minority and medically underserved populations, the
Stanford Cancer Center is collaborating
with the NCI CIS California Region sponsored by the Northern
California Cancer Center. The Partnership Program builds
capacity to bring cancer information to people who may
have difficulties seeking health information because
of educational, financial, language, or other barriers. It
also strives to increase partners' awareness and abilities
to communicate that cancer health disparities are a major
public health problem, where the burden of cancer falls
disproportionately on certain racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic
groups.
To effectively reach as many people as possible, the NCI CIS partners with state and regional organizations that directly serve these populations. By pooling resources toward common goals, the NCI CIS and its partners leverage resources and design programs with wider reach. The NCI CIS assists organizations seeking cancer-related expertise by providing:
- Education about the latest, most accurate cancer information, resources available from NCI, and referrals
- Training on methods to educate their populations on cancer-related topics, such as the Clinical Trials Education Series (CTES)
- Assistance in planning cancer education programs and evaluating their success
- Assistance in developing new coalitions or strengthening existing coalitions
- Advice about strategies to reach minority and medically underserved
State and regional organizations can learn more about
collaborating with CIS by visiting the CIS California
Regional Office
Rachel J. Mesia, MPH
Partnership Program Coordinator, NCI CIS California Region
Outreach Program Coordinator, Stanford Cancer Center
650-723-7119
rmesia@stanford.edu
Trial Administration