MENUTips for Selecting an Oncologist and Cancer Treatment Center
One big concern for patients diagnosed with cancer is whether there is time to research treatment centers and get a second opinion before starting treatment.
Choosing an oncologist, or cancer doctor, is an important decision. Unless you are facing urgent symptoms like nausea, vomiting and pain, there is usually time to do some research. Here are tips for find the best cancer provider for YOU:
1. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral
Your doctor may be familiar with an expert.
2. Keep an eye out for high quality care and lots of experts
Look for treatment centers with a multidisciplinary approach. This means each patient receives input from many cancer experts. The patient will be helped by specialists including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, oncology nurses and social workers. Therefore, all of these experts can “weigh-in” to determine your best treatment plan.
3. Look for a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center
These centers have received recognition for their expertise. They are also high-volume, with doctors representing all specialties who bring distinct expertise to the table when deciding your best treatment approach. Visit the NCI for a list of its designated cancer centers.
4. Meet with more than one doctor
It’s helpful to compare and contrast doctors’ treatment recommendations to see if suggestions from one are supported by others.
5. Ask oncologists and surgeons about their credentials and expertise
Questions to ask an oncologist:
- Are you board certified in your specialty?
- How many patients have you treated with this type of cancer?
- How many patients with this certain type of cancer are seen at the center?
- Is there a team that works together to make the decision for my best choice of treatment?
Questions to ask a surgeon:
- How many surgeries do you perform each year? (It’s important for a surgeon to have a minimum of 15 to 20 per year.)
- What are your complication rates? (ProPublica explains how these rates are measured.)
- What is your 30-day operative mortality rate? (This is any death that occurred within 30 days after surgery, either in or out of the hospital.)
Experts in cancer care fully expect to receive these types of questions from patients and should not be offended. One way to address the questions is to say, “My reading has led me to understand it is wise to ask certain questions…”
6. Work with a major cancer center, even if you’re a considerable distance away
Most experts in high-volume centers are willing to work with your local oncologists and physicians. Usually, part of the plan (for example, surgery) is executed in the center and the post-surgery treatment is executed locally.
7. Do your own research with the help of your physician
It’s great to be proactive and learn about different treatment options by turning to the internet or other sources of information. However, while some treatments may sound great online, they aren’t well proven, so leave room for your physician to give an overall perspective. Unlike the internet, physicians provide facts designed around what’s best for you personally. For example, they bring the potential risks and benefits of the treatment and the physical, emotional and financial burden to the conversation.
8. Seek a second opinion if you’re at a medical “crossroad” or considering a change in the course of treatment
Your doctor should be open to considering options both locally and at other cancer centers. In the end, the decision to change treatment teams or centers is your call and depends on how comfortable you feel with your physician.
9. Consider a clinical trial
From day one, when the treatment is outlined, ask about clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that test new ways to treat cancer that you can be involved with. By being involved, you can help improve treatments and outcomes for future patients.