Cancerview.ca offers tools and resources, including a clinical trials registry. (Canadian Partnership Against Cancer)

Canadians interested in learning about clinical cancer trials or connecting with others in their area affected by the disease can now access a new online resource.

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, in collaboration with a network of regional and national partners, launched a portal called cancerview.ca on Wednesday.

"The new Cancer View portal that was just launched really provides a way for Canadians, health professionals and individuals and families who are dealing with cancer, to access and easily find tools, resources and sources of information from a number of different sites," Heather Logan, senior director of cancer control policy and information for the Canadian Cancer Society, said Thursday.

"It helps you get information from a number of different perspectives in one connected site."

Rather than searching the web and finding millions of results that may not be trustworthy, the portal helps cut through the clutter by only searching trusted sites offering credible information, she added.

The website also aims to offer a place for Canadians to connect and collaborate nationally based on their interests.

The resources and tools include:

• Canadian cancer trials database — a one-stop resource for referring physicians, patients and family members to learn about clinical trials that investigate new ways of diagnosing, treating, managing and preventing the disease.
• Online and Telephone Supports Directory to find online services such as discussion boards and blogs.
• Canadian Cancer Society's Community Services Locator — a search tool to help visitors find the patient support services and programs they need close to home.

The cancer trial registry will be updated regularly by eight participating provinces: Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan. British Columbia and Nova Scotia are in discussions to participate.

The registry currently offers information on more than 640 trials recruiting patients.

Visitors may search the registry by cancer type, province, community, trial centre and drug.