BACKGROUND: The Cancer Helpline is a telephone information and support service operated throughout Australia. METHODS: Data from all calls received during the months of July, August and September from 2001 to 2003 were collected and analysed. RESULTS: Over 76,000 contacts were made, mostly from women (79%). Almost half of all calls were from people with general inquiries (rather than cancer patients, their families, or health professionals). The most common cancer type discussed was breast cancer, (26% of all calls, 42% of calls from people with cancer). Diagnosed cancer patients most frequently called about treatment/management and practical issues. People with general inquiries called to obtain information about the prevention and early detection of cancer. DISCUSSION: The helpline can complement the role of other information and support providers for people living with or concerned about cancer.
BACKGROUND: The Cancer Helpline is a telephone information and support service operated throughout Australia. METHODS: Data from all calls received during the months of July, August and September from 2001 to 2003 were collected and analysed. RESULTS: Over 76,000 contacts were made, mostly from women (79%). Almost half of all calls were from people with general inquiries (rather than cancerpatients, their families, or health professionals). The most common cancer type discussed was breast cancer, (26% of all calls, 42% of calls from people with cancer). Diagnosed cancerpatients most frequently called about treatment/management and practical issues. People with general inquiries called to obtain information about the prevention and early detection of cancer. DISCUSSION: The helpline can complement the role of other information and support providers for people living with or concerned about cancer.
Authors: Christine L Paul; Allison W Boyes; Lorna O'Brien; Amanda L Baker; Frans A Henskens; Ian Roos; Tara Clinton-McHarg; Douglas Bellamy; Glenda Colburn; Shiho Rose; Martine E Cox; Elizabeth A Fradgley; Hannah Baird; Daniel Barker Journal: JMIR Res Protoc Date: 2016-10-26
Authors: Jamie Bryant; Rochelle Smits; Heidi Turon; Rob Sanson-Fisher; Jennifer Engel Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2018-03-09 Impact factor: 3.603