The Irish Cancer Society's national helpline is now available to the deaf community in Ireland.

The society's Nurseline provides confidential information and support to any concerned members of the public free of charge. It is staffed by cancer nurses. Last year, it dealt with over 30,500 enquiries, ranging from questions about cancer prevention and diagnosis, to entitlements and how to access further services.

The helpline is now using the Irish Remote Interpreting Service (IRIS) to aid members of the deaf community who may be concerned about cancer. IRIS allows a deaf person to use a remote sign language interpreter to speak to one of the society's cancer nurses

One in three people in Ireland will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime and there are around 5,000 sign language users among the deaf community in Ireland. This suggests that over 1,600 could go on to develop cancer.

"We are delighted to make this video remote interpreting service available to anyone who is concerned about cancer in the deaf community. We know that there are difficulties experienced by the deaf community in accessing appropriate cancer support and information. This expansion of the existing Nurseline service will play an important role in keeping patients supported during their cancer journey," commented Nurseline manager, Naomi Fitzgibbon.

She said that cancer patients, their families or anyone concerned about cancer from the deaf community, can contact the Nurseline by making an appointment.

"We are here to offer support at this challenging time. The cancer Nurseline also can inform callers around early detection and cancer prevention, so we are also available to those who might want to talk to us about symptoms they are experiencing or would like to know how they can reduce their risk of cancer," she noted.

If you are deaf and would like to contact the Nurseline, email cancernurseline@irishcancer.ie to book an appointment. Alternatively, contact IRIS by text on 087 9806 996, email remote@slis.ie or phone 0761 07 8440.
IRIS is operated by the Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS) and is funded by the Citizens Information Board.

The Nurseline is available to all members of the public from 9am to 6pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm on Friday. Call 1800 200 700.