Here are some things to consider when choosing a cancer treatment hospital:
- Ask around. Recommendations are key. Talk to friends and family and see what their experiences have been like at local medical centers. ...
- Focus on the doctor first. You could start by looking for a doctor, not a hospital. ...
- Is the hospital nearby? Though some people choose to go to a specialized cancer center in another part of the country, that may not be possible for everyone. ...
- Does your insurance cover care at this cancer treatment hospital? This is an obvious but important question.
- Is this a specialty cancer center? A large treatment center with integrated care has advantages. ...
- Are clinical trials available at this cancer treatment hospital? A clinical trial is the study of a new type of treatment. ...
- Does the hospital offer education or social support? See if your cancer treatment hospital offers support groups for people going through treatment -- and their families. ...
- How much experience does the center have treating your type of cancer? How effective has it been with those treatments?
- How close is it to your home or office?
- What support services does it offer? ...
- Does the center offer clinical trials?
What should I consider when choosing a 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.
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 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.
Why should I choose a Cancer Center?
It's important to know the cancer center can provide all the services you need. For example, larger hospitals may have more experience with different kinds of cancers and offer more services for people with cancer. This is extra important if you have a type of cancer that is rare or more challenging to treat.
Does it matter where you go for cancer treatment?
Make sure the hospitals you are considering have experience treating the type of cancer you have. Your local hospital may be fine for more common cancers. But if you have a rare cancer, you may need to choose a hospital that specializes in your cancer.
What is the best cancer research center?
Top 200 institutions in cancer research#InstitutionShare Jan 2015-Aug 20191Harvard University696.362Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)435.503National Institutes of Health (NIH)361.584The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center298.9574 more rows
How do I choose the right oncologist?
Tips for Selecting an Oncologist and Cancer Treatment CenterAsk your primary care doctor for a referral. ... Keep an eye out for high quality care and lots of experts. ... Look for a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center. ... Meet with more than one doctor.More items...
What is the difference between a cancer center and a comprehensive cancer center?
What's the Difference Between an NCI Cancer Center and an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center? An NCI-designated cancer center means that a center has met NCI standards for cancer prevention, clinical services, or research. A Comprehensive Cancer Center meets NCI standards in all three categories.
What state has the best cancer centers?
MinnesotaMinnesota tops our list of states with the best cancer care. The state has low average costs of health insurance and the best access to medical care.
What is the number 1 cancer hospital in the world?
MD Anderson Cancer CenterWorld's Best Specialized Hospitals 2021RankHospitalCity1MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, TX2Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew York, NY3Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteBoston, MA4Mayo Clinic - RochesterRochester, MN73 more rows
What makes a good oncologist?
Good communication skills are essential to patient management and team-working. Given the accelerating rate of new drug and radiotherapy technologies, Oncologists must have a desire to develop and implement new treatments in their clinic.
Can I change my oncologist?
The simple answer is that you have the right to change oncologists any time you want. An even more reasonable answer is that you should consider a change if and when you're uncomfortable with an important aspect of your care, and you can't resolve that concern with your current oncologist.
When does an oncologist get involved?
Takeaway. You will likely be referred to an oncologist if your doctor suspects that you have the disease. Your primary care physician may carry out tests to determine if you might have cancer. If there are any signs of cancer, your doctor may recommend visiting an oncologist as soon as possible.
What is the best cancer treatment center in America?
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston earned the top spot on U.S. News & World Report's 2021-22 Best Hospitals for Cancer ranking.
What is the number 1 cancer hospital in the United States?
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center again has been named No. 1 in cancer in the U.S. News & World Report's 2021-2022 annual “Best Hospitals” rankings.
What makes a cancer center?
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. Comprehensive cancer centers. Comprehensive cancer centers do the same activities as cancer centers.
Ask for recommendations
The doctor who found your cancer is the first person you should ask. Try asking: “If you or someone you loved had this cancer, where would you go for treatment?” Often, the doctor will suggest a cancer center even if you don’t ask.
Finding a cancer center or hospital
You might find these websites helpful in locating information about cancer centers near you.*
Choosing a cancer center
Be sure to find out how much experience a center has in treating your type of cancer. It's important to know the cancer center can provide all the services you need. For example, larger hospitals may have more experience with different kinds of cancers and offer more services for people with cancer.
