Our Information Specialists can answer your questions about cancer, clinical trials, and quitting smoking. LiveHelp is confidential. LiveHelp does not provide medical advice.
Status:
Chat support is available
LiveHelp is available Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Eastern Time. LiveHelp is also available in Spanish at the following link http://LiveHelp-es.cancer.gov.
Troubleshooting
Should you have any problems with using our LiveHelp service, we ask that you call our Cancer Information Service at 1-800-422-6237 and speak with an Information Specialist, or email us via our online contact form.
LiveHelp Service Notice
NCI Information Specialists on LiveHelp can give you information about cancer from the National Cancer Institute. However, they are not health care providers and do not provide medical advice. LiveHelp is not a substitute for talking with a health care professional.
Frequently Asked Questions about the National Cancer Institute's (NCI's) LiveHelp Service
Is there really a person on the other end?
Yes. NCI's LiveHelp Service is staffed by real people. By typing, you will have a live conversation with one of our Cancer Information Specialists. They have knowledge of NCI information, publications, websites, as well as other science based information about cancer and cancer-related resources that can help you.
What kind of information is available through NCI's LiveHelp Service?
LiveHelp Information Specialists can answer your questions about cancer and provide help in navigating NCI Web sites. We can also tell you about clinical trials (research studies) and provide tailored clinical trial searches for those who are interested in participating in one.
Do the people on the other end know who I am?
No. NCI's LiveHelp Information Specialists will only know what Web page you were on when you clicked the LiveHelp button, and whatever you tell them. They have no way of getting any other information about you. However, you should not provide any information that identifies you. Information sent over the Internet may not be secure.
Can someone else on the Internet listen in?
No. The session is one-on-one only. NCI's LiveHelp Service is not a "chat room." In addition, your LiveHelp session is encrypted (similar to when you use a credit card on a Web page) for extra security.
Do I need additional software to use NCI's LiveHelp Service?
NCI supports all Internet browsers including, Internet Explorer (v9.0-11.0), Chrome (v40), Firefox (v36), and Safari (v8.0). If you attempt to use versions of web browsers other than those listed, you may experience technical problems with your chat session. Visit http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/internet-explorer/downloads/ie to upgrade your Internet Explorer browser. NCI also supports the following mobile device browsers, Apple iPhone OS (v7.1, v8.1 and v8.2) /Safari, Android (v4.x to v 5.5)/Android web browser. When accessing LiveHelp on a mobile browser, make sure to stay connected to the Internet browser. You may have technical problems with your chat session if you move away from the mobile browser.
Can I get a computer virus using NCI's LiveHelp Service?
No. LiveHelp can only send text to your computer, so it is impossible to send a virus.
Can I get the same information by telephone?
Yes. Within the United States, our Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237), is available to answer cancer- or tobacco-related questions Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern time.