Department of Internal Medicine Iowa's Cancer Control Consortium Launches Web Site 11/19/2004 The Iowa Consortium for Comprehensive Cancer Control today announced the launch of its new Web site that provides free, comprehensive information and links for Iowans about cancer risk factors, prevention, community resources and information about specific cancers. Available online at www.canceriowa.org or by calling toll free 800-237-1225, the site is designed to help users learn about Iowa-specific resources related to cancer, their personal risk for cancer, possible treatments and the potential of research for lessening the suffering and deaths caused by the disease. A grant from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) through the Iowa Department of Public Health funded the development of the Web site. "We know that the Internet can be a powerful tool for helping to educate the public about cancer issues," said George Weiner, M.D., chair of the consortium, director of the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the UI and the C.E. Block Professor of Cancer Research. "The new Web site is a valuable resource for Iowans to use in their own lives to meet their personal needs." The consortium aims to reduce the burden of cancer in Iowa through prevention, early detection, effective treatment and ensuring quality of life. The consortium includes more than 100 health and other professionals representing nearly 50 agencies throughout the state. People who have survived cancer also participate in the consortium. Experts from the UI Cancer Information Service, with input from organizations across Iowa, developed the content of the site. Staff in the Virtual Hospital at UI Hospitals and Clinics (www.vh.org) designed and built the site. The consortium formed in part due to a January 2002 report, "Face of Cancer in Iowa." A newer report, "Changing the Face of Cancer in Iowa: A State Plan for 2003-2005" outlines the consortium's two-year comprehensive cancer control plan. Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is Iowa's only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center. NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers are recognized as the leaders in developing new approaches to cancer prevention and cancer care, conducting leading edge research and educating the public about cancer. |