Fred Hutchinson Center wins $55.4 million contract to run NCI Cancer Information Service

The U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) has awarded Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center a $55.4 million contract to operate the NCI’s Cancer Information Service Contact Center.

The Hutchinson Center has operated a CIS contact center since 1981, which provides information about cancer prevention, screening and treatment over the phone and on the Web.

“When the public calls with any question or concerns, we are able to provide evidence-based information,” said Nancy Zbaren, the project director. “We answer questions about cancer from patients, family members, physicians and the general public seeking clinical trials, treatment options, any question you an imagine. Our job is to provide information, not advice, in a compassionate and tailored manner.”

Information specialist Amber Garnett (seated), Project Director Nancy Zbaren and Dawn Sittauer, CIS contact center manager

Currently, the Hutchinson Center’s CIS handles about 470 inquiries a day. The new funding will allow the CIS to expand its hours of operation and add bilingual services for Spanish-speaking callers.

The expanded program, which will create 60 new jobs, will remain at its current location on the Hutchinson Center campus and is scheduled to be full operational by March of next year.

To learn more:

• The CIS can be accessed by a toll-free number, 1-800-4-CANCER (800-422-6237), for telephone inquiries and through the Internet at the NCI’s  Web site (http://www.cancer.gov/help) to contact the service via e-mail or through LiveHelp (chat service).