The new site aims to guide the reader through the complex array of cancer research developments. The website is titled Research Horizons, and it takes the form of a newsroom, as might be found with more general news topics. Information is provided in both English and French.
The Canadian Cancer Society microsite deals with immunotherapy, genomics, cancer vaccines and early diagnosis. These are subject areas selected by researchers, as well as patient groups, as needing for detail and accessible information. The information contained with have both a Canadian and an international focus.
One aspect that makes the site unique is a peer review process for the news content. Here a selected panel of volunteer scientists and cancer survivors work through and choose the best and most promising research.
The work of the Canadian Cancer Society (Société canadienne du cancer) is also covered. This includes considerable investment (in 2015 the society invested $44 million to fund 357 projects). Among the projects was a $68 million investment for in information, programs and services such as CCS lodges. These are safe spaces designed to allow people with cancer stay in comfortable, home-like surroundings during their treatments away from home.
Furthermore, a helpline called CancerConnection has been established. This is a telephone peer support program intended to give people living with cancer a place to discuss their experiences with volunteers. An online question and answer service is also in place. Since 1996, the online portal as addressed 1.3 million inquiries about cancer related topics.
Traditional media is also used, with the Canadian Cancer Society distributing over 1.1 million copies of print materials. However, it is digital media where the future lies for health information and this will continue to become the main route through which people seek information. Digital platforms allow information to be updated quickly and readily; and for those seeking the latest research findings relating to cancer the new microsite is the optimal way for enabling such communication to happen.
