Cancer is a life-changing diagnosis — you’re likely scared, overwhelmed and in shock. But if you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed, the best thing you can do is find the right care team.
Throughout your cancer journey — from diagnosis to treatment, recovery and beyond — your needs are going to change. Finding the right cancer team ensures that you’ll be fully supported each step of the way.
You may be wondering how you’re supposed to know which cancer center or doctor is right for you, or how you’re supposed to be able to make such an important decision during such a stressful time. It starts with finding reliable support you can trust.
We hope this checklist of questions will help you choose a cancer team that you can count on to provide the comprehensive care you deserve.
How to Choose A Cancer Team
Finding an oncologist (cancer doctor) you feel comfortable with is important. It’s equally important to know who your doctor will be working with to develop and implement your care plan.
Your cancer care team should include specialists from multiple disciplines of care – for instance, radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, genetic counselors, nurse navigators and palliative care specialists.
Questions to ask:
- What specialists will be a part of my cancer care team?
- What is the team’s care philosophy?
- How experienced is the team?
- Are the nurses specially trained in cancer (oncology certified)?
- Will the team collaborate about my care in tumor board meetings? If so, how often?
- Is there someone on the team who will help me coordinate care (a nurse navigator)?
What to Look for in a Cancer Care Center
Not all cancer centers are created equal, so it’s worth doing a little research before choosing one to entrust with your care. You can gain insight into their skill level and quality of care from the specific accreditations and certifications they’ve obtained.
It’s also a good idea to look for a center that is affiliated with regional or national cancer networks because this gives your care team the opportunity to collaborate with more cancer experts, as well as to use the networks’ treatment programs and clinical trials.
Questions to ask:
- Are you accredited by the Commission on Cancer (COC)?
- Do you have certifications for specific cancer programs?
- Are you affiliated with larger (regional or national) cancer networks? If so, how will that benefit me?
- Do you have specialty clinics to treat specific types of cancer?
Inquire About Genetic Testing and Counseling
Genetic testing provides information that helps you and your loved ones make informed decisions about your healthcare. Genetic counseling helps you better understand the test results as well as your options moving forward.
Questions to ask:
- Will I have access to genetic testing and counseling?
- Can my family members also have access to genetic testing and counseling?
- Do you provide universal genetic testing for certain types of cancer, such as breast or pancreatic cancer?
Ask About Treatment Options
There have been many advancements in cancer care, and you want to be sure those options are available to you. Choose a care team who is well-versed in the latest treatments and techniques.
Questions to ask:
- What chemotherapy options do you offer?
- Do you offer the latest radiation therapies?
- Are you experienced in robotic surgery procedures and other advanced surgery methods?
- Do you participate in clinical trials that I may be eligible for? Will you help me determine my eligibility?
- Do you offer cold cap therapy to help reduce hair loss caused by cancer treatments?
- Do you offer precision medicine (a program that looks at genetic and molecular changes in the tumor to determine the safest and most effective ways to target my cancer)?
- Do you offer pharmacogenomic screening to gain insight into how my body will respond to certain chemotherapy drugs?
Discuss What Support Services They Offer
Cancer affects more than your body. In addition to treatment, your support team should offer services aimed to support your body, mind, soul and relationships.
Questions to ask:
- Will services such as acupuncture, massage therapy and music therapy be included in my care plan?
- Do you offer counseling services? If so, what kind?
- What support groups do you offer?
- Will you provide me and my family with cancer resources?
- Do you offer nutrition or dietary services?
- Do you offer a survivorship clinic that will help me manage my healthcare after treatment?
Decide What Is the Right Fit for You
After you’ve gathered information about the specific cancer centers and care team members, it’s time to ask yourself some questions — the most important being, “What is right for me?”
Your goal is to make sure that whoever you entrust with your care is going to support you fully throughout your cancer journey. When choosing your care team, you should be able to answer YES to the questions below.
Questions to ask:
- Does the team consist of experts from multiple specialties, and will those specialists collaborate to provide me with high-quality care?
- Do they offer leading-edge and targeted treatment for my specific type of cancer?
- Will I be able to access genetic testing and counseling, if needed?
- Does the cancer center and care team hold certifications or accreditations that prove their expertise?
- Will they provide holistic support with services like acupuncture, massage and counseling?
- Will they continue to support me after my treatment is complete through a survivorship program?
- Do I trust them? Can I communicate well with them? Do I believe they’re interested in supporting me and my family throughout this difficult time?
To learn more about our comprehensive cancer care programs and services, visit OhioHealth.com/Cancer.
Conditions & Care
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Cancer