Here are some things to consider when choosing a cancer treatment hospital:
- Ask around. Recommendations are key. ...
- Focus on the doctor first. ...
- Is the hospital nearby? ...
- Does your insurance cover care at this cancer treatment hospital? ...
- Is this a specialty cancer center? ...
- Are clinical trials available at this cancer treatment hospital? ...
- Does the hospital offer education or social support? ...
Full Answer
How do I choose the best cancer treatment center?
When you learn you or a family member has cancer, you want to get the best possible medical care and treatment. Choosing your doctor and treatment center will be one of the most important decisions you’ll make. There are many excellent doctors and cancer centers in the United States, but will you know where to look to find them? Choosing a Cancer Center or Hospital.
How do I find a cancer treatment center in my area?
You may need to choose from centers covered by your insurance. Ask your insurance company for a list of approved centers. If you have multiple options, ask your doctor for a recommendation. You may also benefit from talking with other people with cancer. Learn from their experiences with specific treatment centers. Deciding on a treatment center
How do I make cancer treatment decisions?
Use the map or list to find centers by area, region, state, or name. There are many types of cancer treatment. The types of treatment that you have will depend on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Some people with cancer will have only one treatment.
How do I find a doctor who treats cancer?
Mar 13, 2019 · To make a reasonable treatment decision, keep in mind the type of cancer you have, its stage, and what treatment options are available and how likely these treatments are to work under these...
Does it matter where you get cancer treatment?
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. In rare cases, you may need to travel to a cancer center that specializes in your cancer for treatment.11 Feb 2020
Where is the best place to receive cancer treatment?
Here are the top 10 hospitals named to U.S. News' 2021-22 Best Hospitals for Cancer, including ties:University 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.More items...•27 Jul 2021
How do I choose a cure for cancer?
Understand your diagnosis. ... Know your options. ... Understand the goals of treatment. ... Ask about the side effects of each treatment option. ... Consider the risks and benefits of each treatment option. ... Get a second opinion. ... Find help managing the cost of cancer care. ... Consult guidelines or other decision-making tools.More items...
How long after being diagnosed with cancer does treatment start?
A new primary cancer If so, you should wait no more than 2 months (62 days) to start treatment. This time starts on the date that the hospital has received an urgent referral for suspected cancer. You might have to wait longer if you need extra tests to diagnose your cancer.
What is the salary of a cancer doctor?
Oncologist salary in India ranges between ₹ 4.5 Lakhs to ₹ 102.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 28.3 Lakhs. Salary estimates are based on 4 salaries received from Oncologists.22 May 2021
What are signs you may have cancer?
What are some general signs and symptoms of cancer?Fatigue or extreme tiredness that doesn't get better with rest.Weight loss or gain of 10 pounds or more for no known reason.Eating problems such as not feeling hungry, trouble swallowing, belly pain, or nausea and vomiting.Swelling or lumps anywhere in the body.More items...•6 Nov 2020
What type of cancer does not require chemo?
What type of cancer does not require chemo? People with leukemia don't have to resort to chemotherapy as their only treatment options, thanks to a variety of targeted medicines that are available.28 May 2020
What is the most successful cancer treatment?
Any cancer treatment can be used as a primary treatment, but the most common primary cancer treatment for the most common types of cancer is surgery. If your cancer is particularly sensitive to radiation therapy or chemotherapy, you may receive one of those therapies as your primary treatment.4 Jun 2020
What happens when you refuse cancer treatment?
Treatment decision making is an ongoing process; thus, patients who initially refuse treatment may later choose to undergo conventional cancer treatment if given the adequate support, information, and time necessary to make the decision.
At what stage of cancer is chemotherapy used?
Systemic drug treatments, such as targeted therapy or chemotherapy, are common for stage 4 cancers. Often, a clinical trial may be an option, offering new treatments to help you fight stage 4 cancer.11 Feb 2022
Can you live a normal life with cancer?
Yes, it is possible to have a long life with cancer. Though being diagnosed with cancer is still presumed as a death sentence, most cancers are treatable. Millions of people with cancer are living in the United States.9 Apr 2021
Can you have cancer and feel fine?
Also, the idea itself of a single miracle cure is a myth, as dozens of different types of cancers each respond differently to treatment. 7. Cancer is always a painful disease, so if you feel fine, you don't have cancer. Many types of cancer cause little to no pain, especially in the early stages.27 Apr 2011
How to make a reasonable treatment decision?
To make a reasonable treatment decision, keep in mind the type of cancer you have, its stage, what treatment options are available and how likely these treatments are to work under these circumstances. Talk to your doctor about trustworthy websites, books and patient education materials to supplement your discussions.
How to make sure you're getting the information you need to make an informed decision?
Effective communication with your doctor is the best way to make sure you're getting the information you need to make an informed decision. To make communicating with your doctor easier, try to: Speak up when you don't understand. If you need further explanation or clarification, tell your doctor.
What to do if you don't feel supported?
If you don't feel supported in your decision-making, contact advocacy groups such as the American Cancer Society, which can put you in touch with cancer survivors who may be able to help you through this process. It might help to write down your expectations and preferences before you meet with your doctor.
How to share medical information with family?
If you feel comfortable sharing your medical information with a friend or family member, bring along someone to take notes. Then you'll have another person you can talk through your treatment decisions with. Keep copies of your medical records. Ask for copies of your medical records and bring them to each appointment.
Can you cure cancer?
When you're first diagnosed, it's likely you'll be interested in treatments that cure cancer. When a cure is possible, you may be willing to endure more short-term side effects in return for the chance at a cure. Ask your doctor about your chances for a cure to help you understand more about your situation. Control.
How to find a treatment center
Some people first find an oncologist, a doctor who treats cancer. Then, they base the decision on where that doctor works.
Accredited cancer treatment centers
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 you receive care
Once you choose a treatment center, it is important to find out if you will receive your medical care in an inpatient or an outpatient setting. For inpatient care, you stay in the hospital and are closely watched during treatment and recovery. Outpatient treatment does not require a hospital stay.
What kind of treatment is needed for cancer?
Some people with cancer will have only one treatment. But most people have a combination of treatments, such as surgery with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. You may also have immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormone therapy.
Is it normal to be overwhelmed with cancer?
When you need treatment for cancer, you have a lot to learn and think about. It is normal to feel overwhelmed and confused. But, talking with your doctor and learning all you can about all your treatment options, including clinical trials, can help you make a decision you feel good about.
Find the Right Treatment Center
Everyone's case is different, but there are situations where you may want to get care someplace besides your local hospital. A lot depends on how rare your cancer is, what stage it's in, and where you live. Bigger hospitals usually have more experience in treating less common cancers.
Learn About Your Cancer Treatment
Once you have a doctor who is managing your case, they'll review your treatment options with you. To make sure you understand and keep track of your choices, bring a notebook with you to your appointment so you can take notes. Or ask a family member or friend to come with you.
Find a Clinical Trial
Scientists are always looking for new ways to treat cancer in clinical trials. These studies test new drugs and treatments to see if they're safe and if they work. If you're interested in taking part in one, the best way to start is to ask your doctor if they know of any that would be a good match for you.
What is the best treatment for cancer?
Common Cancer Treatments. Your doctor may recommend one of these treatments: Surgery. You may need an operation to remove a tumor. Surgery is most successful when the disease hasn’t spread to other parts of your body. Depending on what kind of cancer you have, it may be your best chance at a cure.
What are the factors that determine the best treatment for cancer?
2. Your overall health. Doctors will consider your age and any other health problems you have. Understanding how frail or robust a person is becomes important when talking about treatment options. 3. Your wishes. “Everybody values different aspects of cancer care differently,” Filson says.
Getting help with treatment decisions
Making such a complex decision is often hard to do by yourself. You might find it helps to talk with your family and friends before making a decision. You might also find it helpful to speak with other men who have faced or are currently facing the same issues.
Some things to consider when choosing among treatments
Before deciding on treatment, here are some questions you may want to ask yourself:
Why is it important to know about prostate cancer?
This is important because cancer treatment poses many risks for individuals, not the least of which are treatment-related side effects and long-term effects. In addition, we know that some cancers, such as prostate cancer, may not cause a person any serious harm or even shorten their lives if they are left untreated.
Can you wait to get cancer treatment?
This tells us that the perceptions and fears associated with a cancer diagnosis may lead reasonable people to opt for more treatment, even if they are reassured that it is possible to watch and wait and that they may never need treatment. In some situations, such as the diagnosis of a precancerous lesion, the degree of anxiety a person feels may be ...
