Cancer Resource Center Provides Helpful Information to Wishard Patients
September 19, 2005
Contact: Todd Harper
Phone: 317-630-7808
Pager: 317-310-5972
Indianapolis, September 19, 2005 -Cancer can be a difficult word for anyone to hear. For someone diagnosed with cancer, thinking about the long road ahead can be overwhelming. But there are resources available to help ease concerns for cancer patients and their families.
The Indiana University Cancer Center is opening the IU Cancer Resource Center at Wishard on September 22, as a place for Wishard Health Services' patients and their families to turn for information and assistance. The center provides up-to-date cancer information in a relaxing atmosphere, allowing visitors to explore helpful Web sites, watch educational videos and share stories with others.
Located in the Special Medicine Clinic on the second floor of the Regenstrief Health Center at Wishard Health Services, 1001 W. Tenth Street, the IU Cancer Resource Center at Wishard features pamphlets with helpful facts about cancer, computers with access to the latest information, televisions with educational DVDs and videos, access to the American Cancer Society's 24 hour toll free number and National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Services and displays about cancer and cancer-related issues.
"The IU Cancer Resource Center at Wishard will provide our cancer patients and their families with a comfortable and welcoming environment where they can learn about cancer and its related issues," said Dr. Jennifer Schwartz, chief of Wishard's hematology and oncology service. "We hope to give them the tools to become active participants in their healthcare and become fully informed about their illness and potential therapies."
In addition to the numerous educational tools available at the IU Cancer Resource Center at Wishard, there are also a number of resources available allowing a cancer patient to get feedback from others, including a conference area to discuss information with healthcare professionals, cancer support groups, educational programs and spiritual counseling through Wishard Chaplaincy.
"We hope to increase awareness of clinical trials and supportive care, with the ultimate goal of an improved quality of life for our Wishard patients. We are pleased that these educational resources will now be at our patients' fingertips," explained Dr. Schwartz.
Sponsors and supporters of the IU Cancer Resource Center at Wishard include the American Cancer Society, IU Cancer Center, Eli Lilly and Company, H.H. Gregg, Business Furniture Corporation, SPG Graphics and Steelcase Incorporated.
For more information about the IU Cancer Resource Center at Wishard, please call (317) 630-8945.