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Patient and Visitor Guide

Thank you for choosing the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. Whether you are coming to the cancer center for your first appointment, are newly diagnosed or are undergoing treatment, we have designed the cancer center with you -- the patient -- in mind. We know that what you're going through is not easy. You have a lot of questions, and we're here to answer them.

We have taken care of thousands of patients who have made the cancer journey. We understand that the possibility of cancer is stressful, a diagnosis of cancer is frightening and selecting the right course of treatment seems like an urgent decision that must be made immediately.

Making an Appointment / Contact Us

Call toll-free 800-865-1125 to request, change or cancel an appointment. Use our toll-free number to ask questions, too.

Are you already a Michigan Medicine patient?

If you are already a patient, you can also go to MyUofMHealth.org. MyUofMHealth.org is a secure, online connection with which you can connect to your doctor's office online to:

  • Request appointments
  • Request prescription renewals
  • Review health history
  • View immunization records
  • Send secure message to your health team

University of Michigan oncologist, Shirish Gadgeel, MBBS, co-director of the Thoracic Oncology Research Program and the associate director for the Cancer Care Network and Affiliated Centers, discusses cancer care and how to choose a cancer center.

Here is some advice that we hope will help you right now:

Slow Down
It’s only natural to want to spring into action. But first, take a few deep breaths. Before you see your doctor, write down exactly what you want to know. When you meet with the doctor, insist on plain language; if you don't understand something, let your doctor know. Take notes.

Talk with trusted family and friends about what is going on. Don't be afraid to share your feelings. If you like, take a family member or friend with you to your appointment, so that person can be another set of ears.

Knowledge is power. Don't be afraid to get additional opinions from other physicians and health care facilities if you feel you need to.

Get Information
You'll want to find out as much as you can. Even if you had a good talk with your doctor, afterwards you may want to know more about cancer treatments and possible risks. Call our Cancer AnswerLine™ toll-free at 800-865-1125, which is staffed by U-M registered oncology nurses.

We have put together this Patient & Visitor Guide to make it easier for you to navigate Michigan Medicine. It also includes information about other health resources.

Cancer survivor Betsy de Parry shares her story of diagnosis, and advice for newly diagnosed cancer patients - including not what to ask at your diagnosis.

Choose a Doctor/Hospital
Choosing a doctor or hospital is an important step to take. Some questions to find out: Has it been approved by a nationally recognized accrediting body, such as the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and/or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations? Is the facility ranked by state, consumer or other groups for quality of care? Does the treatment center offer support services to help with day-to-day issues, such as providing assistance to obtain medical equipment and supplies; arranging transportation for treatment; or handling the emotional, psychological or financial issues that go along with having cancer?

Why the “Comprehensive” Designation?
We are proud of the fact that we are a "comprehensive" cancer center. Our center earned the National Cancer Institute's "Comprehensive" designation because we have met strict guidelines for:

  • Extensive, interactive and innovative clinical and laboratory research;
  • Participation in NCI testing of new therapies;
  • Significant cancer prevention and control research;
  • Provision of patient education, community service and outreach as well as training for health professionals.

Our comprehensive designation means that we are able to take better care of you.

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