Oncologist and Centers
It is very important to get an oncologist/team that you trust. The team includes nurses and support staff and can be from different practices and centers. You could have an oncologist that sees you locally while going periodically to a regional or national cancer center. Talk to your team members to make sure they will work together and communicate about all aspects of your care and treatment. The size of the practice does not make the oncologist the best. However, it is good to go to a larger center if you have a rare or complicated type of cancer. Sometimes you will go to an oncologist that someone recommends, and you will find out you do not care for them at all. People mesh in different ways; some personalities mesh perfectly, and others clash. Sometimes the most knowledgeable oncologists do not communicate very well with patients. Make sure your oncologist, staff and team are people you trust. If you have multiple oncologists on your team you may keep the “expert” and get your “feel good” input from another.
Cancer research centers tend to focus exclusively on cancer and have seen cases of every kind. The larger centers treat more rare cancers in a single day than most physicians see in a lifetime. That means you can receive expert care no matter your cancer diagnosis. Research also keeps them knowledgeable of the latest treatments and clinical trials. Also, the bigger centers are known for using and developing front-line diagnostic technology which lets oncologists pinpoint each patient’s unique cancer and tailor treatment for the best possible outcome. New and innovative therapies generally are available several years before they become standard in the community.
The centers can also provide support and educational programs that can help you deal with emotional and physical effects of your disease.