What Things to Look for When Choosing a Cancer Doctor

After being diagnosed with cancer, you will need to choose a doctor for your cancer care treatment. Oncologists specialize in treating cancer. Choosing a doctor and the treatment facility is one of the most important decisions you need to take at that very moment.

Cancer treatment is a long ongoing process. You will continue to be treated by your oncologist team for a long time and they will provide medical care as well as help you navigate the emotional impact of cancer on you and your family. That is why it is so important that you feel comfortable with the doctor and the rest of your cancer care team. As you look for a doctor or a hospital, keep in mind define the doctor and hospital that you like and that meet your needs will help you get the best care possible. Let’s discuss this below.

1: Technology — There number of new developments in radiation therapy that are enabling specialists to provide higher doses of radiation in a more focused manner. Advantages of this technology include less damage to tissue near the tumor and fewer treatment for the patient. New technologies use a 3D image to shape the beam precisely to the tumor. SRS is the most commonly used for brain or lung tumor.

2: Experience in treating cancer — Before deciding to work with the specific doctor for your cancer care, find out about their experience and their practice. Are the doctor’s board-certified in oncology? How long have you been practising medicine? Depending on the treatment plant, you may need a medical, surgical or radiation oncologist. This is because cancer care often includes different types of treatments, such as medications, surgery and radiation therapy.

3: Feel comfortable — Choose a doctor you feel comfortable with. Languages are spoken, gender, ethnicity and education may be important to you. You may also have strong feelings about personality and bedside manner. Some people want their doctors to have a business-like manner while other values a doctor who can help you with emotional health as well as medical needs. Whereas many people whose illnesses require long-term treatment prefer a friendly relationship with their doctor.

4: Board certified — Doctors who are board-certified for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease have had extra training in special areas, such as medical oncology, gynecologic surgery, or haematology. They have taken and passed certification tests approved by doctors in their field. To keep their certification, a doctor must continue their education and keep up with advances and changes in their speciality area.

If you are looking for a second opinion, the experts at CTCA form a full evaluation, confirm your diagnosis and help you understand the treatment options available to you.