Australia's Cancer Helpline--an audit of utility and caller profile

The Cancer Helpline is a telephone information and support service operated throughout Australia.

Data from all calls received during the months of July, August and September from 2001 to 2003 were collected and analysed.

Over 76,000 contacts were made, mostly from women (79%). Almost half of all calls were from people with general inquiries (rather than cancer patients, their families, or health professionals). The most common cancer type discussed was breast cancer, (26% of all calls, 42% of calls from people with cancer). Diagnosed cancer patients most frequently called about treatment/management and practical issues. People with general inquiries called to obtain information about the prevention and early detection of cancer.

The helpline can complement the role of other information and support providers for people living with or concerned about cancer.