Finding the Right Cancer Doctor Called: Your Guide to Oncology Care

When faced with a cancer diagnosis for yourself or a loved one, securing the best medical care becomes paramount. One of the most crucial steps in this journey is choosing the right cancer doctor, often referred to as an oncologist. This decision can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process and knowing what to look for can empower you to make the best choice for your health journey.

It’s essential to find a Cancer Doctor Called by a name you trust, someone you feel comfortable with, and who will partner with you throughout diagnosis and treatment. Depending on your situation, you might need to act quickly, or you may have time to explore your options. Consult with the doctor who initially diagnosed the cancer to understand the urgency and if you can take time to research and select the best specialist for your needs.

Understanding the Different Types of Cancer Doctors Called Oncologists

The first step in finding the right cancer doctor called for your specific situation is understanding the different types of oncologists. Cancer care is complex and often involves a team of specialists. You might need a particular type of oncologist, or even multiple oncologists, depending on the nature and stage of your cancer. Here are some of the most common types of cancer doctors:

Medical Oncologists: These are often considered the primary cancer doctors called to oversee your overall cancer care. Medical oncologists specialize in treating cancer using chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. They manage the overall treatment plan and coordinate care with other specialists.
Hematologist-Oncologists: These specialists focus on blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as other blood disorders. If your cancer is blood-related, a hematologist-oncologist will be the primary cancer doctor called for your treatment.
Surgical Oncologists: As the name suggests, surgical oncologists are cancer doctors called upon to surgically remove tumors and cancerous tissue. They are experts in the surgical management of cancer and often work in conjunction with medical and radiation oncologists.
Radiation Oncologists: Radiation oncologists use radiation therapy to treat cancer. This type of cancer doctor called will plan and oversee radiation treatments to target and destroy cancer cells. They are crucial members of the cancer care team, especially for cancers that are localized or require radiation as part of a combined treatment approach.
Pediatric Oncologists: These oncologists specialize in treating cancers in children and adolescents. Pediatric oncologists are cancer doctors called with specialized expertise in the unique aspects of childhood cancers and their treatment.
Gynecologic Oncologists: Gynecologic oncologists are cancer doctors called who specialize in cancers of the female reproductive system, including ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
Dermatologic Oncologists: These specialists focus on skin cancers, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, a dermatologic oncologist will be the cancer doctor called to provide specialized care.

In larger cancer centers, some doctors may further specialize in treating specific cancer types. For instance, you might find an oncologist who primarily treats breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, or colorectal cancer. This level of specialization can be particularly beneficial if you have a rare or complex cancer that requires highly focused expertise.

Throughout your cancer journey, you may interact with several types of cancer doctors. However, one will typically be your main point of contact, guiding you through treatment and long-term follow-up. Carefully selecting the right cancer doctor called for your needs is essential for navigating the complexities of cancer care. The relationship you build with this doctor will likely extend from initial treatment through ongoing monitoring and survivorship.

Key Qualities to Look for in a Cancer Doctor Called Your Own

Before you begin your search, take time to consider what qualities are most important to you in a cancer doctor called to be part of your care. Beyond medical expertise, personal preferences and communication styles play a significant role in a comfortable and effective doctor-patient relationship. Here are some key factors to consider:

Experience with Your Cancer Type: Prioritize a cancer doctor who has substantial experience treating your specific type of cancer. You want someone familiar with the latest treatment standards, clinical guidelines, and relevant research. This experience translates to informed decision-making and access to the most current and effective therapies.
Insurance Compatibility: Ensure the cancer doctor called you are considering is within your health insurance network (a preferred provider) or accepts your insurance plan. This is crucial for managing healthcare costs and ensuring coverage for treatments and consultations.
Hospital Affiliation: Choose a cancer doctor who has admitting privileges at a cancer center or hospital that is convenient and acceptable to you. Doctors can only admit patients to facilities where they have these privileges. Consider the reputation and location of the affiliated hospital or cancer center.
Comfort and Communication: Personal comfort with your cancer doctor is paramount. Consider factors like language spoken, gender preference, and educational background if these are important to you. Think about their communication style. Do you prefer a doctor with a business-like approach, or someone who also addresses your emotional well-being? Effective communication, empathy, and a doctor who listens to your concerns are vital aspects of a positive patient-doctor relationship.

Building Your List of Potential Cancer Doctors Called for Consultation

To start your search for the right cancer doctor called for you, leverage trusted sources and referrals. Your primary care physician or the doctor who initially diagnosed your cancer is an excellent starting point. Ask for recommendations: “If you or a family member had this cancer, which cancer doctor called an oncologist would you recommend?” Often, doctors readily suggest specialists, even without being directly asked. If your diagnosis is still uncertain, you can ask, “If you were in my position, which cancer doctor would you see first for further evaluation?” Request at least two or three names to provide options and explore different specialists. Also, inquire about their specific areas of expertise.

Seek recommendations from others who have been treated for the same type of cancer. Patient support groups or online cancer communities can be valuable resources for firsthand experiences and doctor recommendations. Additionally, many hospitals and communities offer physician referral services, either by phone or online. These services can provide detailed information about doctors in your area, including their specialties, certifications, office locations, and languages spoken. You can typically find these services by contacting local cancer centers or hospitals directly or visiting their websites.

Online national directories of medical doctors, including those specializing in oncology, are also available. These directories allow you to search for specific types of cancer doctors based on location, specialty, and other criteria. Please note that inclusion in these directories does not constitute an endorsement.

If you have health insurance, cross-reference any recommended doctors with your insurance provider’s network list. This can usually be done online or by contacting your insurance company’s member services.

Gathering More Information and Meeting Potential Cancer Doctors Called

Once you have a list of potential cancer doctors called for your care, the next step is to gather more information and, ideally, meet with a few of them. Call their offices to confirm they are accepting new patients, are in your insurance network, and to inquire about the cancer centers or hospitals they are affiliated with.

If possible and if your insurance covers it, schedule initial consultations with a few doctors. These meetings are crucial for assessing compatibility and gathering essential information. If direct consultations are not feasible initially, prepare a list of questions to ask the doctor’s office staff to help narrow down your choices.

Crucially, ask about the doctor’s experience treating your specific type of cancer. For surgical oncologists, inquire about the frequency and success rates of the specific surgeries you might need. Understand how they define “success,” as this can vary depending on the cancer type and treatment goals.

Beyond medical credentials, pay close attention to how comfortable you feel during your interactions. Consider these questions to gauge your comfort level and the doctor’s communication style:

Did the doctor provide ample opportunity for you to ask questions?
Did you feel genuinely listened to and understood?
Did the doctor seem comfortable and forthcoming in answering your questions?
Was the doctor able to explain complex medical information in a way that was easy for you to understand?
Did you feel respected and that your values and preferences were considered?
Did the doctor discuss treatment options and inquire about your preferences?
Did you feel the doctor spent sufficient time with you and didn’t seem rushed?

Trust your instincts. Your gut feeling about a cancer doctor called to be your partner is important. It may take a couple of visits to fully establish a comfortable and trusting relationship, but these initial impressions are valuable.

Additional Factors to Consider About a Cancer Doctor Called for Your Care

Board Certification: A Mark of Expertise

Board certification indicates that a cancer doctor called has undergone rigorous extra training in a specialized area, such as medical oncology, hematology, or gynecologic oncology. Board-certified doctors have passed comprehensive examinations administered by experts in their field and are committed to ongoing professional development to stay abreast of advancements in their specialty.

While not all excellent cancer doctors are board certified, and certification is not mandatory, it is often seen as a marker of advanced knowledge and dedication to their specialty. Many specialists pursue board certification.

You can verify a doctor’s board certification status through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) website. The ABMS offers a free search function to check certification status by specialty and location, or by individual doctor name.

Experience Matters: Quantifying a Doctor’s Expertise

Inquiring about a cancer doctor’s experience provides valuable insight into their level of expertise. Consider asking:

How long has the doctor been in practice as a cancer doctor called an oncologist?
How many patients with your specific type of cancer have they treated?
If surgery or a specialized procedure is recommended, how many of these procedures has the doctor performed?
What is the doctor’s current patient load, and how many are cancer patients?

You might also want to research leading specialists in your cancer type, both locally and nationally. Medical and local libraries, along with reputable online resources like cancer.gov and medlineplus.gov, can be valuable for this research. Look for doctors who are frequently cited in cancer research publications. Reviewing a doctor’s published research, if available online or through libraries, can provide a deeper understanding of their treatment approaches.

Hospital and Cancer Center Affiliations: Access to Comprehensive Care

While much cancer treatment is now delivered in outpatient settings, hospitalizations are sometimes necessary for certain treatments or complications. The hospital or cancer center where your cancer doctor called has admitting privileges will determine where you receive inpatient care. Confirm the affiliated hospitals are within your insurance network and are acceptable to you in terms of location and reputation.

Academic Affiliations: Staying at the Forefront of Innovation

Affiliation with a respected medical school can be an indicator of a cancer doctor’s standing in their field. Doctors who teach at medical schools are often engaged in research, are connected to a broader network of experts, and are likely to be knowledgeable about the latest treatment advances and clinical trials.

Essential Questions to Ask Your Cancer Doctor Called

Beyond the factors already discussed, consider asking these practical questions:

Are you or your practice involved in clinical trials of new cancer treatments? (This can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.)
What are your office hours, and what is the process for urgent issues?
How can I reach someone for help after hours, on weekends, or during holidays?
Who covers your patients when you are unavailable?
Who else will be part of my cancer care team? (Understanding the multidisciplinary team is crucial for coordinated care.)

If you have any concerns about a doctor’s reputation or approach, don’t hesitate to seek feedback from other healthcare professionals or patients. Your comfort level with your cancer doctor called, both in their medical expertise and their patient care approach, is paramount. You should feel comfortable communicating openly, feeling heard, and confident in your collaborative partnership. If you are not getting the answers or the rapport you need, continue your search until you find the right fit.

Seeking a Second Opinion: Empowering Your Decisions

Even after choosing a cancer doctor, obtaining a second opinion is a valuable step, especially if you have any uncertainty about the recommended treatment plan. For example, if surgery is recommended, seeking a consultation with a radiation oncologist to explore non-surgical options is a prudent step.

Seeking a second opinion empowers you with more information, reinforces your treatment decisions, or offers alternative perspectives. It is a standard and respected practice in cancer care.

References

American Board of Medical Specialties. About Board Certification. Accessed at www.abms.org/About_Board_Certification/ on September 15, 2021.
American College of Surgeons. Commission on Cancer: Improving Outcomes for Patients with Cancer. facs.org. Accessed at https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/coc on September 15, 2021.
National Cancer Institute. Finding Health Care Services. Cancer.gov. Accessed at https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/managing-care/services on August 3, 2021.

Medical and Editorial Content Team, American Cancer Society

This article is based on information from the American Cancer Society and reflects their medical and editorial expertise.

Last Revised: September 17, 2021

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