ACS Daffodil Campaign Supports

Patient Access To Cancer Information

WILTON — Cancer does not discriminate and, as Michelle Wolf, Director of Patient Services at the American Cancer Society, explains, “No one is ever truly prepared to hear the words ‘you have cancer.’” To increase the availability of cancer information to the public, the American Cancer Society’s toll-free 800/ACS-2345 number is now available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week year-round. This service offers comprehensive cancer information about specific diagnoses, treatment options, research findings, local support and educational programs, opportunities to volunteer and much more.

“One of the American Cancer Society’s greatest strengths is our ability to provide accurate, unbiased, and practical cancer information for patients, the medical community and the public at large,” said Ms Wolf.

Ms Wolf recently answered a call from a woman who had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She was seeking information and comfort beyond what her physician had provided. The call came late on a Friday afternoon. Understanding that she may feel scared and alone during the weekend hours, Ms Wolf gave the young woman the 800/ACS-2345 number. Early Saturday morning, unable to sleep and feeling completely helpless, the woman was able to reach for the phone and speak to a cancer specialist who stayed on the phone with her for hours; providing as much support and hope and as many answers as possible to ease her concerns. Ms Wolf adds, “When I came in Monday morning, she had left a message thanking us for helping her get through the night.”

A cancer diagnosis can be terribly traumatic, not only for the patient but for friends and family members as well. Access to complete information and becoming well informed can be empowering and can help patients and caregivers cope. Since its inception in 1998, the volume of calls received at the American Cancer Society’s national Call Center has skyrocketed. According to Jerry Browne, a representative of the National Call Center, which is located in Austin, Texas, more than 1.9 million calls have been handled this year. “It has become an invaluable resource for anyone who has been touched by cancer.”

Cancer Specialists are equipped to delicately handle an individual’s concerns about the disease. Many callers are searching for information regarding possible side effects from a certain treatment regimen, cancer screening guidelines, support services and programs available in their community, ways to support a loved one recently diagnosed with cancer, or simply how to contribute to the American Cancer Society. All callers are thankful to have someone who is knowledgeable about cancer on the other end of the line, someone who will listen to their trepidation and provide answers and resources. Information can also be accessed through the American Cancer Society’s Web site at www.cancer.org. Approximately 2.5 million individuals visit the Society’s Web site each month.

The American Cancer Society depends solely on individual and corporate support; therefore, services such as the 24-hour information number are only possible through individual contributions such as those made during the Annual Daffodil Days Campaign. Bouquets of ten daffodils are available for a small donation of $5. Gift of Hope bouquets are also available and are given anonymously to honor local cancer patients undergoing treatment.

For more information about the American Cancer Society programs and services, about cancer, or to place a daffodil order, contact your local office at 203/563-0740.