Questions about cancer? Just call or email

Worried that the follow-up test your doctor ordered after a routine screening means you might have cancer?

You don’t have to fret alone.

The U.S. government has operated a helpline to answer people’s questions about cancer for 40 years. The National Cancer Institute Contact Information Service is a great resource for patients.

The helpline also offers patients information about participating in clinical trials. Operators will help locate cancer treatment centers and assist patients and their families to develop questions for the doctor.

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle operates the center, where hotline staffers are required to have a four-year college degree and spend six to seven weeks in training.

“Sometimes people will call and say they have one quick question, but answering that one quick question requires a much more in-depth discussion,”  Eric Suni, a cancer information specialist at the center for seven years, told National Public Radio.

More than 91,000 people reached out to the center in 2016, an average of about 250 inquiries a day. Do you have questions or concerns about cancer? Call the helpline at: 1-800-4-CANCER; or contact the center through live chat, email or social media.

Voices for Affordable Health provides a list of Resources for health care consumers on our web page.