Local Cancer Charity Is Granted ICISG Full Membership

Online, May 26, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre (BCHC) has been granted full member of the International Cancer Information Service Group due to the successful launch of a Cancer Information Service (CIS) in Bermuda.

BCHC joined the International Cancer Information Service Group (ICISG) in June 2008 as an associate member and
needed to find a way of meeting the ICISG mandate of having a cancer information service within three years of joining the volunteer organization. They came up with a very unique way of meeting this requirement.

Over the next year, BCHC worked with the Canadian Cancer Society's (CCS) Cancer Information Service (CIS) to develop a partnership where the CCS/CIS would provide both the human and infrastructure resources to Bermuda. BCHC established a local Bermuda telephone number that allows Islanders access to an information specialist in Canada to get cancer information and services available in Bermuda. Visitors to the BCHC website (www.ccis.bm) can also email questions and access online cancer information developed by the Canadian Cancer Society.

As well as providing information on early detection, education seminars, cancer screening and diagnostic testing, an on-site resource room and material loans; the BCHC developed an online Community Services Locator for the island. This locator captures information on community services available to cancer patients, families and the public.

Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre launched its cancer information service on March 19, 2010, and is now a full member of the International Cancer Information Service Group.

"The partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society allows Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre to provide people in Bermuda with current, fact based cancer information." says Tara Soares, Executive Director at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre. "We are pleased to be able to provide this service free of charge to the Bermuda Community - our goal is to ensure that cancer patients, their families and loved ones in Bermuda have the information, tools, and assistance they need during their cancer diagnosis and treatment."

The Cancer Information Service is the latest addition to Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre's portfolio of patient services. BCHC's newly renovated Cancer Support Centre is located at 46 Point Finger Road, Paget. This Centre houses an extensive resource and lending library of cancer and health books along with computer terminals enabling internet access to reliable cancer sites including the Canadian Cancer Society's cancer encyclopedia.

For more information visit www.ccis.bm or call 236-1001.