What does a cancer information specialist do?

1 Role and responsibilities

A Cancer Information Specialist (CIS) works for an organization that offers cancer information and support services, such as a cancer society, a hospital, a clinic, a helpline, or a website. CISs interact with clients through various channels, like phone, email, chat, or face-to-face. They may also collaborate with other health care professionals to provide comprehensive and coordinated care. The main responsibilities of a CIS include answering questions about cancer types, stages, tests, treatments, side effects, clinical trials, prevention, and screening; assessing the client's needs and tailoring the information and support accordingly; providing emotional support and listening to the client's concerns; referring the client to other sources of information and assistance; following up with the client to monitor their progress and satisfaction; and documenting and reporting the client's interactions and outcomes.

2 Skills and qualifications

To become a CIS, you need to have a combination of education, training, and experience in the fields of health care, social work, counseling, or education. You should also possess excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. When interacting with clients from diverse backgrounds and situations, you must be able to communicate clearly, empathetically, and respectfully. It is also important to use appropriate medical terminology and plain language to explain complex and sensitive information. Additionally, you must be able to actively listen and respond to the client's verbal and non-verbal cues. Establishing rapport and trust with the client is essential in order to maintain confidentiality and professionalism. Furthermore, it is important to identify and address the client's information gaps, misconceptions, and fears; provide emotional support; manage stress; work independently as well as collaboratively; and research and update your knowledge on the latest cancer information and resources. Depending on the organization you work for, you may also need to have specific credentials or certifications such as a bachelor's or master's degree in a health-related field or a license or registration as a health care professional.

3 Benefits and challenges

Working as a CIS can be rewarding and fulfilling, as you can make a positive impact on the lives of people affected by cancer. You can provide them with information and support that can help them make informed decisions, cope better, and improve their quality of life. You can also learn from their stories and experiences, and grow as a professional and a person. However, working as a CIS can also be challenging and stressful, as you may encounter difficult and emotional situations, such as dealing with clients who are angry, anxious, depressed, or suicidal, or who have poor prognosis or terminal illness. You may also face ethical dilemmas, such as how to balance the client's autonomy and best interests, or how to handle conflicting or inaccurate information. You may also experience compassion fatigue, burnout, or vicarious trauma, which can affect your physical, mental, and emotional health. Therefore, as a CIS, you need to take care of yourself and seek support and supervision when needed.

4 Career prospects

The demand for CISs is expected to grow as the incidence and prevalence of cancer increases, and as more people seek information and support online or over the phone. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of health educators and community health workers, which includes CISs, is projected to grow by 13% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for health educators and community health workers was $48,140 in May 2020. However, the salary and benefits of CISs may vary depending on the organization, location, education, experience, and performance of the CIS. To advance your career as a CIS, you may pursue further education, training, or certification in specialized areas of cancer information and support, such as palliative care, survivorship, genetics, or research. You may also seek opportunities to lead or manage a team of CISs, or to develop or evaluate cancer information and support programs or policies.

5 Here’s what else to consider

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