Overview of Services

Experienced oncology information
specialists are available to answer
your questions

The UPMC Cancer Centers Information and Referral Service (CIRS) is a free cancer information service for the public, staffed by UPMC oncology nurses and social workers, from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Through this service, the general public can obtain information about cancer and cancer-related topics, including general disease sites, prevention, early detection, clinical trials, symptom management, support services, community resources and educational programs. The public can also learn about treatment options at UPMC, as well as schedule appointments and obtain referrals with UPMC physicians.

CIRS services

• Providing information about any cancer-related topic, including:
  • prevention and early detection of cancer
  • diagnosing cancer
  • cancer treatments, including biotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy and other new and innovative treatments
  • clinical trials
  • managing symptoms
  • psychological and psychiatric support services
  • nursing and patient care
  • rehabilitation
  • community resources and services
  • educational programs for health care professionals and the public.
• Facilitating referrals to UPMC Cancer Centers and other regional cancer resources.
• Providing printed information on a wide variety of cancer topics, including descriptions of UPMC Cancer Centers programs, information about participation in clinical trials, publications on specific cancers and other available regional cancer resources.
• Providing information about the availability of clinical trials.

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The UPMC Cancer Centers Information and Referral Service (CIRS) is intended to be educational and is not intended to diagnose, treat or provide a second opinion for any health problem or disease. All specific medical questions should be presented to an individual's health care provider, including those regarding treatment options and recommendations for patients. Coordination of a referral to a UPMC physician can be provided by calling CIRS at 412-647-2811.