What to Look For in a Cancer Center

We at SCCA recommend choosing a center that uses a multidisciplinary team approach, where the oncologist, radiologist, surgeon, pathologist, and anyone else involved meet to discuss each patient's case and determine their best treatment plan.

A cancer center should address patients' emotional, psychological, and educational needs as well as their medical needs. Patients who understand their disease, knows what their treatment options are and have strong support systems are in the best position to be effective partners in their health-care decisions.

Early, accurate diagnosis of cancer is probably as important to a patient's survival as any element of treatment. This is done by radiologists (medical doctors who take and read images) and pathologists (doctors who analyze cells and tissue to determine whether they are benign or malignant). The more experience a practitioner has with a procedure, the better. Reading X-rays and analyzing pathology is a difficult and subtle pursuit, involving as much art as science.

This is one of the reasons a comprehensive cancer center, where physicians handle thousands of cases each year, is the best place to receive cancer care.

Attributes of an Excellent Cancer Center and its Physicians:

Multidisciplinary Conference for Every Patient All specialists involved meet to discuss the care of each patient before treatment. Ideally, the patient is present as well, so that he or she can be consulted regarding life priorities and preferences.

Comprehensive Care The center should offer as many services as possible, from radiology to reconstructive surgery, under one roof. This enables specialists and staff to work as a team and effectively coordinate care.

Specialized Radiology A dedicated breast-imaging center is likely to provide better screening than an all-purpose radiologist.

State-of-the-Art Technology The center should have FDA-accredited technology for cancer treatment (e.g., a linear accelerator for radiation treatment, an ABBI system for breast biopsies).

Coordinated Care Patients should be tracked by one staff person who answers their specific questions.

Research and Clinical Trials If a center does research on new therapies, this indicates its commitment to pushing the envelope of available care.

Access to a Genetics Counselor Even with a clear screening, a patient with a family history of cancer may want to know about risk factors and the implications of genetic testing.

Comfortable Treatment Area If the center maintains its own chemotherapy treatment area, ask for a tour. Is the atmosphere frightening or comforting? Are extra chairs available for family and friends?

Quick Response If you have symptoms, a cancer center should not simply conduct screening tests and send you home. If a first test indicates the need for further screening, it's better to be given the option of waiting 30 minutes for the news and then continue testing rather than to return another day.

Surgical Specialist Ask if your surgeon specializes in treating your specific type of cancer. Too many general surgeons claim to be specialists, but only experience builds expertise. For example, physicians calling themselves breast surgeons should perform at least 90 percent of their operations on breasts.

Patient Comfort A biopsy can initiate anxiety. Can you receive some form of sedation during the procedure? You should also receive a quick consultation. You should be able to ask a radiologist to explain any irregularities on your tests as soon as an interpretation is available.

On-site Counseling and Support Groups A biopsy can initiate anxiety. Can you receive some form of sedation during the procedure? You should also receive a quick consultation. You should be able to ask a radiologist to explain any irregularities on your tests as soon as an interpretation is available.

A Patient Advocacy System A quality center assists patient in dealing with physicians, insurance, and emotional needs. Sometimes the support may be a nurse who accompanies patients to appointments.

Resource Center Books, videos, Internet access and staff trained to help you research medical literature should all be available.

Patient-Friendly Procedures Policies should be set up for the convenience of the patient, not the hospital staff.

Sensitive, Trained Staff A nurse or radiology technician who is trained in dealing with patients with cancer and who is sensitive to a patient's comfort or anxiety can be as much of a lifesaver as any piece of technology.