The Cancer Centers of Saint Barnabas:
Convenient Access to Reliable Information

To help patients and their families research the important information they need to understand a cancer diagnosis and treatment options, The Cancer Centers of Saint Barnabas Medical Center now offer a new database service called CancerHelp.

Unlike the Internet, where it is often difficult for a person to determine which information is usable and credible, CancerHelp is designed to provide patients and their families with accurate information. To ensure validity, CancerHelp contains a wealth of information from reliable sources such as the National Cancer Institute and Micromedex, a leader in providing patient medication information. To keep CancerHelp current, the information is updated monthly.

“Those who use CancerHelp do not need to determine whether or not the information is trust-worthy – the credibility is already confirmed given the fact that it is accessible through the software program,” says Richard Michaelson, M.D., Chief Medical Director of The Cancer Center of Saint Barnabas.

The CancerHelp monitor is presented in an easy to use touch screen format and includes information is both English and Spanish. Patients who find information of interest can print it out on the spot using the dedicated printer.

“Our hope is that our patients use the reliable information accessible through CancerHelp in combination with discussions among their oncologist and other members of their health care team to make necessary, informed decisions and help them cope better with their entire cancer experience,” explains Dr. Michaelson.

Patients and health care providers can access CancerHelp in the The Cancer Resource Center, conveniently located adjacent to The Cancer Center waiting room on the second floor of the East Wing. The Cancer Resource Center renovations and resources, including CancerHelp, were funded entirely by the Richard M. Wasserman Fund.

Those with questions may contact Joanne Loeb in The Cancer Center, (973) 322-2934.