Vol. 3, Supplemental Contents | Forward | Preface | Editorial

The Journal of Health Communication:  International Perspectives is pleased to publish this important supplement in our third volume year.  Given the current emphasis on developing and designing advanced interactive health communication strategies with new technological innovation, this supplemental issue focuses on the U.S. Cancer Information Service, one of the longest continuous health communication initiatives in the country since the initial charge of the 1971 National Cancer Act that stipulated the development of "a program to disseminate and interpret ... for practitioners and other health professionals, scientists and the general public, scientific and other information regarding the causes, prevention, detection and treatment of cancer" (National Cancer Act of 1971).  As guest editor, Dr. Marion Morra has put together an excellent comprehensive overview of the service's goals, activities, and methodology with articles written by experts. While the field of health communication continues to advance with documented success, it has become part of the strategy in the U.S. Health People 2010 initiative.  As such, it is defined as "The art and technique of informing, influencing, and motivating individual, institutional, and public audiences about important health issues.  Its scope includes disease prevention, health promotion, health care policy, business and the enhancement of the quality of life and health of individuals within the community" (Ratzan et.al., 1994 cited in Healthy People 2010).  The Cancer Information Services provides a successful model for health communication. Since we began the journal, we have attracted international recognition as we advance our mission to promote the ethical research and practice of health communication and to enhance the quality of life of individuals and communities throughout the world.  It is my personal hope we all work to advance the highest ethical standards in communicating effectively to promote health and well-being.