How do I choose a cancer doctor?
ACS Answer
Most often, your regular primary care doctor will refer you to a cancer doctor. But even if this is the case, there is information about this specialist you will want to know. Also, you might have to choose another doctor later to get a second opinion about your diagnosis or treatment.
The American Medical Association (AMA), which represents many doctors in the United States, offers a doctor locator service. You can find information about doctors, such as their contact information, medical school, residency training, and specialty area(s).
Another source of information is the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). This is an international medical society representing cancer specialists involved in clinical research and patient care. They provide a directory of oncologists, a database of ASCO members.
To make a well-informed decision, it's important to get answers to specific questions. Some of the questions you might want to ask include:
- Are they board-certified?
- What hospitals are they affiliated with?
- What is their specialty? Do they have a subspecialty?
- What training have they had in treating my type of cancer?
- How many patients with my illness have they treated in the past year?
- Are they or others in their practice involved in clinical trials of new treatments?
- What are their office hours?
- How can they be contacted after hours?
- Who will see me when they are on vacation?
- Who else will be on my health care team?
You will probably think of other questions to ask. Keep a notebook and write down the answers to questions you ask.
Related Resources
Get more information on talking with your doctor.
Find books that cover this and other cancer topics at the American Cancer Society bookstore.
Recommended Consultation
There are no Recommended Consultations for this question.
