Finding Answers Fast

Cancer AnswerLine Empowers Patients, Families and . . . EVERYONE

Robert McGee of Ann Arbor can't remember exactly where he saw an ad for the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Centers Cancer AnswerLine (CAL). He simply remembers the helpless feeling when his sister announced she had a mass on her pancreas. They didn't know if it was cancer, but needed to find out. That's when McGee recalled the 800-number he saw as a resource for anyone with questions about cancer.

"I called the Cancer AnswerLine on a Thursday," he says, "They listened patiently, explained her options in everyday terms and advised that my sister could be seen in the pancreas clinic the following Monday."

The Cancer AnswerLine was established in 1995 as a community resource to provide personalized information and support to those affected by a cancer diagnosis. Whether the caller is a patient, family member or loved one, each speaks to a certified oncology nurse. CAL's nurses keep the line available Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition to providing answers to questions on treatment options, support groups and community resources, the CAL nurses offer information on:

• Risk reduction
• Warning signs
• Detection methods
• Clinical trials
• Doctor referrals
• Appointment scheduling

McGee's sister, thankfully, was only a cancer scare. Years passed and his daughter's friend received a brain cancer diagnosis. She was on a drug with side effects and wanted a second opinion on her treatment. McGee became her advocate and called CAL again.

"I spoke to the nurse in detail, step by step through her situation. Cancer AnswerLine told me about all the support she could get," he says. The nurse "spoke to me like she had all the time in the world and never put me on hold. We called them often, they were great."

McGee realized CAL and its nurses empowered him to help friends, family members and even acquaintances facing cancer.

"Everybody unfortunately knows someone who has cancer. Any one of us can be that person's champion and help them walk that path. A resource like Cancer AnswerLine™ can guide us through red tape and give direction on what to do. They will listen, answer medical questions and provide resources to anyone," he says.

Since then, McGee has referred many people he knows to CAL for questions about cancer care and how to get appointments. He became so interested in the cause, he now volunteers his time helping cancer patients and their families and manages a Facebook page specifically for people with cancer who live alone or need support. He frequently reminds followers about the CAL nurses and the 800-number to call: 800-865-1125.

Read the Summer, 2015 issue of Thrive.

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