You can check with your local or state medical society, which may maintain a list of doctors in each specialty of cancer care. A nearby medical school may be able to suggest cancer specialists as well. NIH’s Finding Health Care Services webpage provides a list of several online directories to cancer specialists.
Full Answer
How do I find a cancer treatment center in my area?
A good place to start your search is through accredited cancer treatment centers. The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Cancer Center Program has more than 60 centers. All centers meet specific standards and fall into 2 categories:
How do I choose the best cancer treatment center?
The treatment center staff will become part of your cancer care team. This team may include nurses, physician assistants, social workers, and technicians. The type of health insurance you have will also affect your decision. You may need to choose from centers covered by your insurance. Ask your insurance company for a list of approved centers.
How do I find a doctor who treats cancer?
Some people first find an oncologist, a doctor who treats cancer. Then, they base the decision on where that doctor works. Other people first find a center that treats their type of cancer. After this, they find a doctor who works there. The treatment center staff will become part of your cancer care team.
Where can I find a COC-approved cancer center near me?
CoC-approved cancer programs are found in many different kinds of hospitals or facilities. They may be freestanding or in major medical centers, community hospitals, or other diagnostic and treatment centers. You can search for an accredited cancer center near you on the CoC website.
Where is the best place to receive cancer treatment?
US News' 10 top hospitals for cancer careUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York City)Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.)Dana-Farber Brigham and Women's Cancer Center (Boston)Cleveland Clinic.Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore)
Is there a cancer database?
CDC's National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) funds state and territorial cancer registries to collect cancer data to measure progress, drive action, prevent cancers, and improve treatment for all people.
Where are chemo treatments given?
Chemo drugs may be given through a catheter into an enclosed area of the body such as the bladder (called intravesicular or intravesical chemo), the abdomen or belly (called intraperitoneal chemo), or the chest (called intrapleural chemo).
Where do they put cancer patients?
Ports are most often placed under the skin of the chest or arm. With certain types of cancer, a port might be placed in the abdomen (belly) to allow medicine to be given into the area where a tumor is. To use the port, a nurse sticks a special needle through the skin and into the port's septum.
What is the National cancer database?
The National Cancer Database (NCDB), a joint program of the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons and the American Cancer Society, is a nationwide oncology outcomes database for more than 1,500 Commission-accredited cancer programs in the United States and Puerto Rico.
How do I access Ncdb?
NCDB PUFs are only available through an application process to investigators associated with CoC-accredited cancer programs. The Request for Applications is open year round, and PUFs are referred to by their most recent year of diagnosis included in the data file.
Why do oncologists push chemo?
An oncologist may recommend chemotherapy before and/or after another treatment. For example, in a patient with breast cancer, chemotherapy may be used before surgery, to try to shrink the tumor. The same patient may benefit from chemotherapy after surgery to try to destroy remaining cancer cells.
What is a chemo port called?
A port-a-cath is used to give intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and other drugs. It is also used for taking blood samples. A port-a-cath may stay in place for a long time and helps reduce the need for repeated needle sticks.
What is the life expectancy after chemotherapy?
During the 3 decades, the proportion of survivors treated with chemotherapy alone increased from 18% in 1970-1979 to 54% in 1990-1999, and the life expectancy gap in this chemotherapy-alone group decreased from 11.0 years (95% UI, 9.0-13.1 years) to 6.0 years (95% UI, 4.5-7.6 years).
Is Stage 4 cancer a terminal?
Is stage 4 cancer always terminal? Stage 4 cancer is not always terminal. It is usually advanced and requires more aggressive treatment. Terminal cancer refers to cancer that is not curable and eventually results in death.
How painful is having a port put in?
A local anesthetic is injected into your chest area. This numbs the area where the port is inserted. You should only feel a little pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Do all chemo patients get a port?
Most patients keep their PICC, CVC or port until they're done with treatment, but it's different for every person. Ports are often requested because they allow patients more normalcy in their daily living and require less maintenance. But ports are not always the best choice.
What type of research does a cancer center do?
Cancer centers. Cancer centers carry out laboratory, clinical, and population-based research. Most cancer centers provide care for people with cancer, but some only conduct laboratory research.
What is the name of the doctor who treats cancer?
Some people first find an oncologist, a doctor who treats cancer. Then, they base the decision on where that doctor works.
What is the treatment center staff?
The treatment center staff will become part of your cancer care team. This team may include nurses, physician assistants, social workers, and technicians.
Does outpatient cancer treatment require a hospital stay?
Outpatient treatment does not require a hospital stay. It can take place at a hospital building, clinic, or doctor’s office. Talk with your health care team to learn about the types of settings where you may receive treatment. When the Doctor Says “Cancer". Making Decisions About Cancer Treatment.
What do you want when you have cancer?
When you or another family member has cancer, you want to get the best possible medical care and treatment. Choosing a cancer center or hospital can be one of the most important decisions you’ll make. There are many excellent cancer care centers in the United States, but how do you know where to look?
What is the National Cancer Institute?
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is part of the US National Institutes for Health. The NCI works with nearly 70 cancer centers in the United States through its National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Programs . These cancer centers are recognized for their leadership in cancer research and cutting edge treatments.
What is a COC accredited cancer center?
The Commission on Cancer (CoC) is the cancer quality program of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS). The COC accredits organizations that are committed to quality cancer care. To be accredited by the CoC, a cancer care organization must meet certain standards and offer a range of state-of-the-art cancer services. No matter its size or location, a cancer center's ability to deliver quality cancer care is monitored by the CoC. CoC-approved cancer programs are found in many different kinds of hospitals or facilities. They may be freestanding or in major medical centers, community hospitals, or other diagnostic and treatment centers. You can search for an accredited cancer center near you on the CoC website.
How to check if a hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission?
To check a healthcare facility, you can go to their Quality Check website. If you don’t have Internet access, you can call The Joint Commission customer service line at 630-792-5800.
When is the Commission on Cancer 2021?
Commission on Cancer: Improving Outcomes for Patients with Cancer. facs.org. Accessed at https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/coc on September 15, 2021.
What to ask a doctor if he isn't sure of his diagnosis?
If your doctor isn’t sure of your diagnosis, but thinks there’s a chance you might have cancer, you can ask: “If you were in my place, where would you go first?” Ask for at least 2 or 3 suggestions and find out if you need a cancer center that specializes in a certain type of cancer. Then find out if these cancer centers accept your health insurance plan.
How to find a doctor for cancer?
To find a doctor who specializes in cancer care, ask your primary care doctor to suggest someone. Or you may know of a specialist through the experience of a friend of family member . Also, your local hospital should be able to provide you with a list of specialists who practice there.
What to do if you have cancer?
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, finding a doctor and a treatment facility for your cancer care is an important step to getting the best treatment possible.
How to contact NCI for home care?
For other resources for home care, call NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800 -4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or visit cancer.gov.
How to contact AOA?
The AOA can also be reached at 1-800-621-1773. Local medical societies may also maintain lists of doctors in each specialty for you to check. Public and medical libraries may have print directories of doctors’ names listed geographically by specialty.
How long does it take to become a cancer doctor?
degree) or osteopathic doctors (they have a D.O. degree). Standard training includes 4 years of study at a college or university, 4 years of medical school, and 3 to 7 years of postgraduate medical education through internships and residencies. Doctors must pass an exam to become licensed to practice medicine in their state.
What is cancer information?
Cancer information services are available in many countries to provide information and answer questions about cancer. They may also be able to help you find a cancer treatment facility close to where you live.
How to get a second opinion on cancer?
This is known as getting a second opinion. You can do this by asking another specialist to review all the materials related to your case.
Why do you need to schedule another appointment with the doctor?
Some appointments are so emotionally charged, that you need to schedule another time to meet with the doctor . This gives you a chance to make better decisions with all of the facts and a much clearer head.
Is cancer a scary diagnosis?
Cancer is a terrifying diagnosis. Even when everything is going to be fine, it doesn’t feel like that in the beginning. Finding a cancer treatment center is the first order of business.
Can a cancer treatment center do clinical trials?
A specialized cancer treatment center may be able to offer a clinical trial. These are a huge deal, because clinical trials are research and testing that are helping to make new and better treatments that fight this thing possible.
How do I know if I'm getting the right treatment?
Their surgeon -- an experienced and well-regarded breast specialist -- had recommended them have a double mastectomy, an opinion that shocked him and other doctors they spoke to.
What are some good ways to cope with cancer?
Other helpful professionals might include massage therapists or yoga teachers. "Relaxation tools are great for people dealing with cancer. Anything that helps you cope is good, so I'm 100% in favor of things like massage therapy and meditation," Saltz says.
What if I sign up for a clinical trial and I don't get any treatment at all, just a placebo?
That can never happen without your knowledge and consent. "A study must tell you, both verbally and in writing, exactly what the plan is. If there is a study that involves a placebo, it will be explained to you in detail," Saltz says. "There is never a possibility that the doctor will tell you you're getting something and you're getting something else."
What can a nutritionist do for cancer patients?
A good nutritionist with experience dealing with cancer patients can advise you, for example, on what foods you might be able to keep down during chemotherapy, or what kind of foods can help with a low white blood cell count.
How many stages of cancer are there?
In general, cancers are "staged" with numbers ranging from 0 to 4, and the lower the stage number, the better. If your cancer has metastasized -- that is, spread beyond the original organ where it started to other parts of your body, like the lungs, liver, or brain --the prognosis is not as good as with an early stage cancer.
Do cancer centers have access to the same treatment?
Although major cancer centers provide access to a lot of resources and state-of-the-art technologies, it may be that you'd get the exact same treatment nearby as you would a few hours away at a major center. "A great doctor at the bedside is worth five expert doctors flying around the country," Lichtenfeld says.
Is cancer a doctor or a hospital?
When it comes to cancer, not all doctors and hospitals are created equal. At minimum, says J. Leonard Lichtenfeld, MD, deputy chief medical officer with the American Cancer Society, you should find a doctor affiliated with a hospital that is accredited by the Commission on Cancer. "These programs have multidisciplinary teams, information about access to clinical trials, and comprehensive, state-of-the-art care," Lichtenfeld says.
