Listen to the Cancer.Net Podcast: Choosing a Cancer Treatment Facility, adapted from this feature.

Cancer is a disease that requires specialized treatment, so it is important to find a treatment center that meets your specific needs.

How to find a treatment facility

The process of finding a treatment facility and choosing an oncologist (a doctor who specializes in treating cancer) are typically tightly linked. Some people first identify an oncologist and then choose a facility based on where that doctor practices. Others identify a facility that specializes in the type of cancer they have and then find a doctor who is on staff at that facility. The staff—including nurses, social workers, and technicians—at the chosen treatment facility will become part of your health care team, which will be led by your oncologist. Find out more about choosing a doctor.

Insurance is another factor that may influence your decision. Your options may be limited to facilities that participate in your insurance program. Your insurance company can provide a list of approved facilities.

Even within those limits, you may have a variety of facilities to consider. Talk with your doctor, who can help you think through the options, based on your cancer type, the type of treatment you will likely receive, and your personal needs. It may also help to talk with other patients, as well, to learn about their experiences. Here are some factors to explore before making your choice:

• How much experience does the facility have in treating your type of cancer, and how successful has it been with those treatments?
  
  
• How convenient is the facility's location to your home or office?
  
  
• What support services for people with cancer does the facility offer? Will you have access to social workers, dietitians, and other members of an expanded health care team?
  
  
• Does the facility offer clinical trials (research studies)?
  
  
• If you'll be traveling a long distance to get treatment, or if friends or family members are coming to be with you during treatment, is the facility close to airports, hotels, and restaurants?

Accredited cancer treatment centers

As a starting point, take a look at the options among accredited cancer treatment centers. For example, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) supports cancer research and patient care through its Cancer Center Program. There are more than 60 NCI-designated cancer centers. These centers, which all meet specific standards, are classified into two categories:

Cancer Centers. Cancer Centers integrate research activities across three major areas: laboratory research, clinical research, and population-based research. Many of these centers also provide care and services for patients with cancer.

Comprehensive Cancer Centers. In addition to the same activities conducted by Cancer Centers, Comprehensive Cancer Centers also have extensive community outreach and education programs.

In addition, NCI has cooperative groups, which are large networks of researchers, doctors, and healthcare professionals at public and private institutions that conduct multi-center, large-scale, phase III cancer clinical trials across the country. Review and search a complete list of NCI-designated cancer centers and cooperative groups.

Meanwhile, these national organizations offer their individual accreditations of treatment centers:

The American College of Surgeons. Through its Commission on Cancer, this group has designated about 1,400 cancer programs as Approved Cancer Programs. This means the designated treatment centers offer a range of services, including diagnostic, treatment, rehabilitation, and support services. The standards also promote multidisciplinary cooperation among oncologists and other specialists at the treatment centers.

The Joint Commission. This group evaluates general healthcare programs. It offers "Quality Check" performance reports (www.qualitycheck.org) for thousands of programs and organizations it has accredited in the United States. Accredited programs have met the commission’s standards for the quality and safety of patient care.

Types of treatment settings

It is also important to realize that you may receive your medical care in an inpatient or an outpatient setting, depending on your treatment plan. For inpatient care, the patient is admitted to the hospital to be closely monitored during treatment and initial recovery. Outpatient treatment does not require hospital admission. It can take place at a hospital building, a clinic, or a doctor’s office. Talk with your doctor to learn whether you will need inpatient or outpatient treatment.

More Information

Newly Diagnosed: First Steps to Take

Find a Cancer Doctor

The Oncology Team

Additional Resources

NCI: How to Find a Doctor or Treatment Facility If You Have Cancer

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Choosing Quality Health Care

Last Updated: January 07, 2011