Twenty years ago, on September 13, 1999, the G. Mitchell Morris Cancer Learning Center (CLC) at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) opened. Since then, the CLC has answered nearly a quarter-million cancer-related questions from its clients鈥攑atients, caregivers, and the general public.
The CLC is a free source for cancer information staffed with health educators who are trained as cancer information specialists. Anyone around the world can use its services. The CLC has handled requests from all 29 Utah counties, all 50 states in the union, and six of the seven continents.
"We鈥檙e still waiting for an inquiry from Antarctica," jokes Jeff Yancey, PhD, MCHES, manager of the CLC.
CLC staff help clients with questions about all types of cancer sites, as well as other related topics:
- Complementary and integrative health
- Side effects of treatment and their management
- Caregiving
- End-of-life planning
- Grief and loss
- Nutrition
- Communicating with loved ones and children
The CLC鈥檚 lending library on the 6th floor of HCI鈥檚 Cancer Hospital contains more than 3,000 cancer-related books, CDs, and pre-loaded audio devices. The space itself is peaceful and quiet, with armchairs for relaxing and reading. The library also has computers visitors can use to look up information online.
One patron of the CLC calls it a "very nice resource and a calming, welcome diversion from the ICU." Another says, "HCI is a marvelous institution, and the CLC in particular is valuable. I am continually amazed by the personnel who serve me here."
There are many ways to get cancer information from the CLC:
- Call toll free 1-888-424-2100
- Visit the sixth floor of the cancer hospital
- Email cancerinfo@hci.utah.edu
- Text 801-528-1112