Finding a Cancer Specialist
Most people begin their search for a cancer specialist (oncologist) with a family practice doctor or other primary care doctor who can often recommend a cancer specialist. Friends and family members may also recommend specialists. Another alternative is to first choose a hospital, based on its reputation for providing high quality cancer care, and then select a physician who practices there.
There are numerous medical organizations that provide information regarding cancer specialists. These include:
How to Find a Doctor or Treatment Facility @ cancer.gov
The National Cancer Institute's fact sheet, How to Find a Doctor or Treatment Facility if You Have Cancer, offers helpful suggestions for finding an oncologist (a doctor who treats cancer), a facility where cancer patients can receive treatment, and a second opinion. Included is a list of questions to help you decide whether a particular doctor is appropriate for your needs. If you will need surgery, there is a list of questions to ask the surgeons you are considering for your care. A separate list of questions can help you evaluate which treatment facilities are best suited to your needs. There are resources for finding a treatment facility if you live overseas, as well as information and resources about how to get a second opinion about your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Selecting an Oncologist (Cancer Doctor) @ plwc.org
People Living with Cancer, the American Society of Clinical Oncology's Web site for patients, provides helpful information about selecting an oncologist in one easy-to-read section. Descriptions of the different kinds of oncologists are concise and comprehensive. Some are medical specialties that might not be familiar to patients until cancer is diagnosed. You can also find information about seeking a second opinion. Finally, you may search their Find an Oncologist Database by name, organization, location, specialty, and/or board certification.
Visit People Living with Cancer.
