How to Be Cancer Information Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 24, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Smoking is one of the leading causes of cancer, and is a major risk factor for numerous types of cancers including lung, oral, throat, bladder, and pancreatic cancer. The carcinogens found in tobacco smoke damage DNA and can lead to tumor growth. exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of developing cancer significantly.

As a result, people who smoke are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than those who do not. Therefore, it is important for individuals to understand the risks of smoking and take steps to reduce their chances of developing cancer. This includes quitting smoking, avoiding second-hand smoke, and seeking help from cancer information specialists if necessary.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. To become a cancer information specialist, you will need to obtain a bachelors degree in a field related to cancer information. This could include a degree in health education, health promotion, public health, or a related field.
Gain Work Experience. Consider gaining some relevant work experience in the health or cancer information field. This could include working as an intern or volunteer in a hospital, health clinic, or other health related organization.
Pursue Certification. Consider pursuing certification as a cancer information specialist from a recognized organization such as the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The NCI offers a certification program for cancer information specialists that includes both online and in-person courses.
Consider Earning a Masters Degree. For those looking to further advance their career, consider earning a masters degree in a field related to cancer information. This could include a degree in public health, health communication, health education, or health promotion.
Keep Up with Developments. Cancer information specialists must stay up to date on the latest developments in cancer treatments and research. This includes attending conferences and seminars to learn about new treatments and potential developments in the field.

Cancer Information Specialists are highly trained and qualified professionals who are responsible for providing accurate and reliable information to patients, families, and healthcare providers about cancer diagnoses, treatments, and available resources. The qualifications and skills necessary to become a Cancer Information Specialist include a combination of healthcare knowledge, research experience, and a compassionate, caring attitude. The ability to effectively communicate and work with people of various backgrounds is also important.

Having a background in a related field, such as nursing or social work, can provide a strong foundation for success as a Cancer Information Specialist. Through their expertise and dedication, Cancer Information Specialists are able to help those affected by cancer understand their diagnosis and make informed decisions about their care.

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Job Description

Provide accurate and up-to-date information about cancer prevention, screening, and treatment options to patients, families, and caregivers.
Educate patients and families about cancer resources, support services, and treatment options.
Assist cancer patients and their families in navigating the health care system and finding appropriate resources.
Develop and provide educational materials to improve public awareness of cancer and its treatments.
Answer questions from the public regarding cancer types, symptoms, treatments, and research.
Coordinate with healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the most appropriate care and support.
Facilitate patient-provider communication to ensure that all necessary information is discussed and understood.
Research and analyze data regarding current cancer trends and treatments.
Liaise with healthcare providers, social workers, and other community services to ensure that all of a patients needs are met.
Participate in community outreach programs to improve public understanding of cancer.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Ability to provide accurate and up-to-date information about cancer and related topics.
Proficiency in using online resources and databases to locate relevant cancer information.
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals affected by cancer.
Ability to provide emotional support and guidance to individuals affected by cancer.
Knowledge of current health care policies and regulations related to cancer.
Ability to develop and implement patient education materials and community outreach programs related to cancer.
Ability to work collaboratively with other health care professionals in providing comprehensive cancer care.
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to ethical practices in healthcare settings.
Strong organizational and time management skills.

Cancer Information Specialists play a critical role in helping patients and families access accurate and up-to-date information about cancer diagnoses, treatments, and survivorship. The most important skill for a Cancer Information Specialist to possess is the ability to effectively communicate complex medical information in an empathetic and understandable manner. Cancer Information Specialists must be able to listen attentively to a patient or family member's questions and concerns, interpret their medical and personal information, and provide accurate, evidence-based answers.

They must also be able to research and locate reliable sources of information and provide appropriate referrals when necessary. Cancer Information Specialists should be knowledgeable about the various treatment options available, recognize potential side effects of treatments, and have the ability to help patients navigate the health care system. Finally, effective Cancer Information Specialists should understand how to apply the principles of patient advocacy, including how to interact with physicians and other medical professionals to ensure that the patient's best interests are served.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in cancer information?
What qualifications or skills do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for this position?
How would you handle a situation where a patient is asking for information that you are not qualified to provide?
What strategies do you use to stay up to date on the latest cancer-related research and treatments?
How do you ensure the accuracy of the information you provide?
Describe a time when you had to explain complex information in a way that was clear and accessible to a wide audience.
How do you manage competing demands on your time in order to provide timely and accurate information?
Tell us about a recent success you had helping a patient or family member understand their cancer diagnosis.
What measures do you take to maintain patient confidentiality?
In what ways do you think technology can help improve cancer information services?

Common Tools in Industry

Database Management Software. software used to store, organize, and access large amounts of data. (e. g. Microsoft Access, Oracle Database)
Statistical Analysis Software. software used to analyze and interpret data to create reports and visuals. (e. g. SPSS, SAS)
Research Software. software used to search for, collect and organize information from online sources or databases. (e. g. EndNote, Zotero)
Content Management System (CMS). software used to create, edit, store and publish digital content such as websites and webpages. (e. g. WordPress, Drupal)
Online Communication Tools. software used to communicate with patients, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders. (e. g. Skype, Zoom)
Social Networking Platforms. software used to create a virtual community where users can interact and share information. (e. g. Facebook, Twitter)
Survey Software. software used to design, distribute and analyze surveys for research purposes. (e. g. Survey Monkey, Qualtrics)
Healthcare Information Systems. software used to track and store patient data securely in a centralized system. (e. g. Epic Systems, Cerner Corporation)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for Cancer Research
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
American Society for Clinical Oncology
American Cancer Society
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
American Society of Clinical Oncology
National Cancer Institute
American College of Radiology
American Society of Hematology
American Society of Radiation Oncology

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Common Important Terms

Oncology. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Cancer. A group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body.
Chemotherapy. The use of drugs to treat or prevent cancer.
Radiation Therapy. Treatment with high-energy rays to shrink tumors or kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy. Treatment that boosts the body's natural defenses to fight cancer.
Clinical Trials. Tests of new drugs, treatments, or diagnostic methods on people.
Genetics. The study of how genes are passed from one generation to the next.
Pathology. The study of disease, including the cause, development, and effects of disease.
Epidemiology. The study of factors that influence the frequency and distribution of diseases in a population.
Palliative Care. Treatment to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for people with serious illnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cancer Information Specialist?

A Cancer Information Specialist is a healthcare professional who provides accurate and up-to-date information about cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment options, and support services to individuals affected by cancer.

What qualifications are required to become a Cancer Information Specialist?

Typically, Cancer Information Specialists have a degree in a healthcare-related field, such as nursing or public health, and specialized training in cancer care.

What types of services does a Cancer Information Specialist provide?

A Cancer Information Specialist provides patients, families, and caregivers with information about cancer diagnosis and treatment, clinical trial eligibility, and community resources such as support groups and financial assistance.

What organizations employ Cancer Information Specialists?

Cancer Information Specialists are employed by hospitals, cancer centers, health departments, research organizations, and patient advocacy organizations.

What is the average salary of a Cancer Information Specialist?

The median annual salary for Cancer Information Specialists is $54,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Web Resources

Cancer Information Management offered at Southwest Tech www.swtc.edu
Cancer Information | Case Comprehensive Cancer Center case.edu
Stanford Cancer Institute | Stanford Cancer Institute | Stanford Medicine med.stanford.edu