New Cancer Information Service launching in Bermuda today.

Online, March 19, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society, is pleased to announce the launch of the Cancer Information Service (CIS). The free telephone hotline is designed to offer support to cancer patients, their families, loved ones, and healthcare providers seeking current cancer information and assistance finding local support services. The CIS can be accessed at 232-2247 or patients may visit www.ccis.bm

Staffed by a dedicated team of trained and knowledgeable Information Specialists, the CIS offers personal one-on-one service, including the dissemination of disease information and guidance on where to obtain assistance in Bermuda. Phone calls can take as long as the caller needs and the caller may contact the service as often as they wish. The service is available Monday - Friday from 10am - 6pm.

"A diagnosis of cancer can be confusing and overwhelming for patients and their families," said Deborah Titterton Narraway, Marketing Coordinator at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre. "Options such as the Cancer Information Service offer a centralised resource for information and direct support to help patients and their healthcare providers manage this serious disease." Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre have compiled a database of local cancer partners and support services which will allow the Information Specialists to provide callers with information such as: which treatment options are available in Bermuda, where to find wigs, and contact information for in home care.

CIS Information Specialists are able to deliver the same one-on-one cancer information to Internet users via email. It is not always convenient to find a quiet time during the day to make a personal call, therefore sending a question via email enables the Information Specialist to reply personally and provide the information needed. To email questions to CIS visit www.ccis.bm and an Information Specialist will respond to your inquiry between 10am - 6pm Monday - Friday. Alternatively a message maybe left on the 232-2247 voicemail and an Information Specialist will return the call the next business day.

"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 at no charge to the Bermuda Community - our goal is to ensure that cancer patients in Bermuda have the information, tools, and assistance they need to get through their diagnosis and treatment."

The Cancer Information Service is the latest addition to Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre's (BCHC) portfolio of patient services. BCHC's newly renovated Cancer Support Centre is now located on the ground floor at 46 Point Finger Road, Paget. This Centre houses an extensive resource and lending library of cancer and health books; computer terminals enabling internet access to reliable cancer sites including the Canadian Cancer Society's cancer encyclopedia; and a private meeting room where people can call CIS.

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Notes to editors:
â—‹ The Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is one of Bermuda's oldest non-profit Charities #070, and an International Charitable Fund 501c (3)
â—‹ Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is dedicated to educate the community about prevention and early detection of cancer and other health issues impacting Bermuda and to provide access to early detection screening, health supplies, information and educational services
â—‹ Hours of operation Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm
â—‹ Appointments are required for all services, but emergency patients will be accommodated.
â—‹ Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre also offer:
o Ultrasound - Offering a full range of ultrasound studies, including; OB/GYN, abdominal, soft tissue (i.e., thyroid) and testicular ultrasounds.
o Digital Mammography - State-of- the-art Digital Mammography service for screening and diagnostic mammograms continues to offer residents the latest technology in the fight against breast cancer. The Digital Mammography service is accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists, an important designations that is attained only at facilities where staff, equipment, radiation dose, and imaging quality meet stringent standards.
o Bone Densitometry Studies - Assisting in early diagnosis of osteoporosis. Bone density studies with the newly installed Hologic Bone Densitometer.
â—‹ Medical disclaimer
o Information on Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre website (www.chc.bm and www.ccis.bm) is intended to be used for general information only and should not replace consultation with healthcare professionals. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your individual medical situation.
o The Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre makes every effort to ensure that the information on www.chc.bm and www.ccis.bm are accurate and reliable, but cannot guarantee that it is error free or complete.
o The Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre does not endorse any product, treatment or therapy; neither does it evaluate the quality of services operated by other organizations mentioned or linked to on www.chc.bm or www.ccis.bm
â—‹ For further information about Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre visit www.chc.bm
For more press information please call Deborah Titterton Narraway 236-1297 or email: [email protected]