March 9, 2010

SIU Cancer Institute Receives National Library of Medicine Sub-Contract

The National Library of Medicine has awarded a $36,000 sub-contract to SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute (SCCI) at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.  It will be used to develop online resources about cancer prevention, education and awareness to consumers.

The goal is to gather together Web resources for use by health care professionals as well as the general public, especially those living in underserved communities.  A new Web site will go on-line later this year.

“The Internet has many significant resources regarding cancer prevention, education and awareness programs,” said Dr. K. Thomas Robbins, SCCI director.  “The tool kit we are developing will harness those resources and provide training for individuals who are providing cancer care and support.”  The grant’s primary investigators are Robbins, JoAnn Lemaster, outreach coordinator for SCCI, and Rhona S. Kelley, head of reference and education services for SIU’s medical library.

Rural and underserved communities in central and southern Illinois have a higher than national rate of many types of cancers so they have a particular need for this information, Robbins explained.  “Many individuals living in rural areas also are diagnosed later, which can negatively affect their treatment options and ultimately their survival rate,” he added.

The grant program will provide education and instruction regarding the online training and application of the tool kit and resource guidebook.  The audiences include health department personnel, registered nurses, health care professionals, physicians and medical students as well as consumers.

For more information, contact JoAnn Lemaster, 217-545-7493 weekdays.  SIU’s Cancer Institute is focusing the medical school’s efforts in cancer research, physician and public education, and treatment for patients from across central and southern Illinois.  The Institute’s Web site is www.siumed.edu/cancer and its phone number is 217-545-6000.

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