If you have been diagnosed with cancer, finding a doctor and a treatment facility for your cancer care is an important step to getting the best treatment possible.

You will have many things to consider when choosing a doctor. It’s important for you to feel comfortable with the specialist that you choose because you will be working closely with that person to make decisions about your cancer treatment.

An oncologist is a doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer. When choosing a doctor for your cancer care, it may be helpful to know some of the other terms used to describe a doctor’s training and credentials. Most physicians who treat people with cancer are medical doctors (they have an M.D. degree) or osteopathic doctors (they have a D.O. degree). Standard training includes

• 4 years of study at a college or university
• 4 years of medical school
• 3 to 7 years of postgraduate medical education through internships and residencies

Doctors must pass an exam to become licensed to practice medicine in their state.

Specialists are doctors who have done their residency training in a specific field such as internal medicine. Independent specialty boards certify physicians after they have met needed requirements, such as meeting certain education and training standards, being licensed to practice medicine, and passing an exam given by their specialty board. Once they have met these requirements, physicians are said to be “board certified.”

Besides oncologists, other specialists who treat cancer include:

• hematologists: focus on diseases of the blood and related tissues, including the bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes
• radiation oncologists: use x-rays and other forms of radiation to diagnose and treat disease
• surgeons: perform operations on almost any area of the body and may specialize in a certain type of surgery

Finding a cancer doctor

To find an oncologist, ask your primary care doctor to suggest someone. Or you may know of a specialist through the experience of a friend of family member. Also, your local hospital should be able to provide you with a list of oncologists who practice there.

Another option for finding a doctor is your nearest NCI-designated cancer center. The Find a Cancer Center page provides contact information to help health care providers and cancer patients with referrals to all NCI-designated cancer centers in the United States.

Some organizations have online directories that may also help you find a cancer doctor. Some examples are below.

• The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) creates and implements the standards for certifying and evaluating doctors. It has a list of doctors that have met certain requirements and passed specialty exams, called Is My Doctor Board Certified?
• The American College of Surgeons (ACoS) lists member hospitals and surgeons by region and specialty in their online database for patients.
• The American Medical Association (AMA) provides information on licensed doctors in the United States in their Find a Doctor database.
• The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) has a searchable database, Find a D.O., of member osteopathic physicians.
• The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) provides Find an Oncologist which lists names of member physicians and health professionals worldwide who have agreed to be included.

Local medical societies may also keep lists of doctors in each specialty for you to check. Public and medical libraries may have printed directories of doctors’ names listed geographically by specialty.

If you have health insurance, your choice may be limited to doctors who take part in your plan. Your insurance company can give you a list of doctors to choose from. It’s important to contact the office of the doctor you’re thinking about, in order to check that they're accepting new patients through your plan. It’s also important to do this if you’re using a federal or state health insurance program such as Medicare or Medicaid.

If you can change health insurance plans, you may want to decide which doctor you would like to use first and then choose the plan that includes your chosen physician. You also have the option of seeing a doctor outside your plan and paying more of the costs yourself.

To help make your decision when you’re considering what doctor to choose, think about if the doctor

• has the education and training needed to meet your needs
• has someone who covers for them if they are unavailable and who would have access to your medical records
• has a helpful support staff
• explains things clearly, listens to you, and treats you with respect
• encourages you to ask questions
• has office hours that meet your needs
• is easy to get an appointment with

If you're choosing a surgeon, you will want to ask questions such as these listed below.

• Are they board certified?
• How often do they perform the type of surgery you need?
• How many of these procedures have they performed?
• At what hospital(s) do they practice?

It’s important for you to feel good about the cancer doctor you choose. You will be working with this person closely as you make decisions about your cancer treatment.

After you talk to a doctor about the diagnosis and treatment plan for your cancer, you may want to get another doctor’s opinion before you begin treatment. This is known as getting a second opinion. You can do this by asking another specialist to review all the materials related to your case. The doctor who gives the second opinion may agree with the treatment plan proposed by your first doctor, or they may suggest changes or another approach. Either way, getting a second opinion may

• give you more information
• answer any questions you may have
• give you a greater sense of control
• help you feel more confident, knowing you have explored all your options

Getting a second opinion is very common. Yet some patients worry that their doctor will be offended if they ask for a second opinion. Usually the opposite is true. Most doctors welcome a second opinion. And many health insurance companies pay for a second opinion or even require them, particularly if a doctor recommends surgery.

When talking with your doctor about getting a second opinion, it may be helpful to express that you’re satisfied with your care but want to be certain you’re as informed as possible about your treatment options. It’s best to involve your doctor in the process of getting a second opinion, because they will need to make your medical records (such as your test results and x-rays) available to the doctor giving the second opinion. You may wish to bring a family member along for support when asking for a second opinion.

If your doctor can’t suggest another specialist for a second opinion, many of the resources listed above for finding a doctor can help you find a specialist for a second opinion. You can also call NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) for guidance.

As with choosing a cancer doctor, your choice of cancer centers or hospitals may be limited to those that take part in your health insurance plan. If you have already found a doctor for your cancer treatment, you may need to choose a cancer center or hospital based on where your doctor practices. Or your doctor may be able to recommend a facility that provides quality care to meet your needs.

Some examples of questions to ask when deciding where to go for cancer care are below.

• Does it have experience and success in treating my condition?
• Has it been rated by state, consumer, or other groups for its quality of care?
• How does it check on and work to improve its quality of care?
• Has it been approved by a nationally recognized accrediting body, such as the ACoS Commission on Cancer and/or The Joint Commission?
• Does it explain patients’ rights and responsibilities? Are copies of this information available to patients?
• Does it offer support services, such as social workers and resources, to help me find financial assistance if I need it?
• Is it conveniently located?

If you belong to a health insurance plan, ask your insurance company if the facility you're choosing is approved by your plan. If you decide to pay for treatment yourself because you choose to go outside of your network or don’t have insurance, discuss the possible costs with your doctor beforehand. You will want to talk to the hospital billing department as well. Nurses and social workers may also be able to give you more information about coverage, eligibility, and insurance issues.

Getting treatment in the United States if you're not a U.S. citizen

Some people who live outside the United States (U.S.) may wish to obtain a second opinion or have their cancer treatment in this country. Many facilities in the U.S offer these services to international cancer patients. They may also provide support services, such as language interpretation or help with travel and finding lodging near the treatment facility.

If you live outside the U.S. and would like to get cancer treatment in this country, you should contact cancer centers or hospitals directly to find out whether they have an international patient office. The NCI-Designated Cancer Centers Find a Cancer Center page offers contact information for NCI-designated cancer centers throughout the United States.

Citizens of other countries who are planning to travel to the U.S. for cancer treatment must first obtain a non-immigrant visa for medical treatment from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country. Visa applicants must show that they

• want to come to the U.S. for medical treatment
• plan to stay for a specific, limited period
• have funds to cover expenses in the U.S.
• have a residence and social and economic ties outside the U.S.
• intend to return to their home country

Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country to find out the fees and documents needed for the non-immigrant visa and to learn more about the application process. The U.S. Department of State provides a list of links to the websites of U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide.

More information about non-immigrant visa services is available on the U.S. Department of State Visitor Visa page. If you are planning to travel to the U.S., make sure to check the page for any possible updates or changes.

Finding a cancer center or hospital outside the United States

Cancer information services are available in many countries to provide information and answer questions about cancer. They may also be able to help you find a cancer treatment center close to where you live.

The International Cancer Information Service Group (ICISG), a worldwide network of more than 70 organizations that deliver cancer information, has a list of member organizations on their website.

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) is another resource for people living outside the United States who want to find a cancer treatment facility. The UICC consists of international cancer-related organizations devoted to the worldwide fight against cancer. These organizations serve as resources for the public and may have helpful information about cancer and treatment centers. To find a resource in or near your country, you may contact them at:

Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)
62 route de Frontenex
1207 Geneva
Switzerland
+ 41 22 809 1811

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows for many Americans to have affordable health insurance. Through the ACA, people have rights and protections that make health coverage more fair and easy to understand. The law also expands the Medicaid program to cover more people with low incomes.

If you do not have health insurance or want to look at new options, the online Health Insurance Marketplace lets you compare plans in your state based on price, benefits, quality, and other needs you may have. To learn about the Health Insurance Marketplace and your new coverage options, please go to Healthcare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).

If you can’t afford insurance and are ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare, ask about charity care and sliding-scale programs at hospitals and clinics. These are programs in which fees are based on your income. Some hospitals are required to see patients who are uninsured. Contact your local department of health or social services, or the business office of the hospital you choose for more information.

Sometimes patients want to be cared for at home so they can be in familiar surroundings with family and friends. Home care services can help patients stay at home by using a team approach with doctors, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and others.

If the patient qualifies for home care services, such services may include

• managing symptoms and monitoring care
• delivery of medications
• physical therapy
• emotional and spiritual care
• help with preparing meals and personal hygiene
• providing medical equipment

For many patients and families, home care can be both rewarding and demanding. It can change relationships and require families to cope with all aspects of patient care. New issues may also arise that families need to address such as the logistics of having home care providers coming into the home at regular intervals.

To prepare for these changes, patients and caregivers should ask questions and get as much information as possible from the home care team or organization. A doctor, nurse, or social worker can provide information about a patient’s specific needs, the availability of services, and the local home care agencies.

Getting financial assistance for home care

Help with paying for home care services may be available from public or private sources. Private health insurance may cover some home care services, but benefits vary from plan to plan.

Some public resources to help pay for home care are:

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): A government agency responsible for the administration of several key federal health care programs. Two of these are
  • Medicare: A government health insurance program for the elderly or disabled. For information, visit their website or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
  • Medicaid: A joint federal and state health insurance program for those who need help with medical expenses. Coverage varies by state.

Both Medicare and Medicaid may cover home care services for patients who qualify, but some rules apply. Talk to a social worker and other members of the health care team to find out more about home care providers and agencies. For more information contact the CMS online or call 1-877-267-2323.

• Eldercare Locator: Run by the U.S. Administration on Aging, it provides information about local Area Agencies on Aging and other assistance for older people. These agencies may provide funds for home care. Eldercare Locator can be reached at 1-800-677-1116 for more information.
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Veterans who are disabled as a result of military service can receive home care services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. However, only home care services provided by VA hospitals may be used. More information about these benefits can be found on their website or by calling 1-877-222-8387 (1-877-222-VETS).

For other resources for home care, call NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or visit cancer.gov.

Most cancer patients have a team of health care providers who work together to help them. This team may include doctors, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, dietitians, and other people in health care. Chances are that you will never see all of these people at the same time. In fact, there may be health care providers on your team who you never meet.

Doctors
While most people have two or more doctors, chances are you will see one doctor most often. An oncologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats cancer. This doctor is the leader of your treatment team, who will meet and work closely with all of your health care providers. It’s important to let your doctor know how you’re feeling so your team can figure out whether you’re getting better or worse, decide if other drugs or treatments are needed, and ensure that you get the extra support you need.

Nurses
Most likely, you will see nurses more often than other people on your treatment team. Besides giving medical care, nurses can answer questions, and offer hope and support. They may also suggest ways to talk with family and friends about your feelings. Nurses work with all other health care providers on your treatment team.

Nurse Practitioner
You may also see nurse practitioners (NP) for your care. Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have additional education and training in how to diagnose and treat disease. In cancer care, a nurse practitioner may help manage the primary care of patients and their families

Pharmacists
Pharmacists not only fill your prescriptions but also teach you about the drugs you’re taking (proper usage, side effects, foods to avoid, and warnings about sun exposure and the dangers of mixing drugs).

Physician Assistant
Physician assistants, commonly called PAs, are health professionals licensed to do certain medical procedures under the guidance of a doctor. They may take medical histories, do physical exams, take blood and urine samples, care for wounds, and give injections and immunizations.

Dietitians
People with cancer often have trouble eating or digesting food. These problems can be a side effect of cancer drugs or treatments. Dietitians can help by teaching you about foods that are healthy, taste good, and are easy to eat.

Oncology Social Workers
Oncology social workers are trained to counsel you about ways to cope with the emotional and physical issues related to your cancer. They can also tell you about other resources that can help you deal with your cancer, such as community programs and support materials. In addition, they can connect you with financial, legal, and insurance services in your area.

Psychologists
Psychologists can talk to you and your family about your worries and teach you ways to cope with these feelings and concerns. Let your doctor or nurse know if you want to talk with a psychologist who is trained to help people with cancer. Many social workers can also fill this role.

Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and prescribe drugs for mental and emotional disorders. They can also talk with you about your feelings and help you find the mental health services you need.

Licensed Counselors and Other Mental Health Professionals
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), pastoral care professionals, spiritual leaders, and other mental health counselors and professionals can help people deal with their feelings, worries, and concerns. Talk with your doctor or contact your local cancer center to find mental health professionals near you.

Patient Educators
Patient or health educators help you and your family learn more about your cancer by finding information that fits your needs. Patient educators typically run the resource centers in hospitals and treatment centers. They can offer you tools to help you and your family understand your type of cancer, your treatment choices, and side effects. They can also give you tips for living with and beyond your cancer. Ask your doctor or nurse about talking to a patient educator.

Patient Navigators
Patient navigators help guide a patient through the healthcare system. This may include help going through the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of cancer. They can help you talk to your doctor so you can get the information you need to make health care decisions. Patient navigators may also help set up appointments for doctor visits and medical tests and get financial, legal, and social support. They may also work with insurance companies, employers, case managers, lawyers, and others who may affect one's healthcare needs. Also called patient advocates.

Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists can help you regain, develop, and build skills that are important for day-to-day living. They can help you relearn how to do daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, or feeding yourself, after cancer treatment.

Physical Therapists
Physical therapists are trained to understand how different parts of your body work together. They can teach you about proper exercises and body motions that can help you gain strength and move better after treatment. They can also advise you about proper postures that help prevent injuries.

Speech Therapists
Speech therapists can evaluate and treat any speech, language, or swallowing problems you may have after treatment.

There are a number of services available to help you cope during and after your treatment. Talk with your doctor to help you locate services such as these:

Counseling
Trained specialists can help you talk about your feelings, problems and concerns. Some forms of counseling available to you may include individual, couples, family, and faith and spiritual counseling.

Genetic Counseling
Trained specialists can advise you on whether to have genetic testing for cancer and how to deal with the results. It can be helpful for you and for family members who have concerns about their own health.

Long-Term Follow-up Clinics
All doctors can offer follow-up care, but there are also clinics that specialize in long-term follow-up care for cancer survivors. These clinics most often see people who are no longer being treated by an oncologist and who are considered free of disease. Ask your doctor if there are any follow-up cancer clinics in your area.

Pain Clinics (also called Pain and Palliative Care Services)
These are centers with professionals who are trained in helping people get relief from pain.

Quitting Smoking (Smoking Cessation Services)
Research shows that the more support you have in quitting smoking, the greater your chance for success. Ask your doctor, nurse, social worker, or hospital about available programs, or call NCI's Smoking Quitline at 1-877-44-U-QUIT (1-877-448-7848).

Stress Management Programs
These programs teach ways to help you relax and take more control over stress. Hospitals, clinics, or local cancer organizations may offer these programs and classes.

Support Groups
In-person and online groups enable cancer survivors to interact with others in similar situations.

Survivor Wellness Programs
These types of programs are growing in number, and they are meant for people who have finished their cancer treatment and are interested in redefining their life beyond cancer. The programs help cancer survivors take steps to lead a healthy lifestyle, improve the quality and meaningfulness of their lives, and potentially reduce the risk of recurrence.

Vocational Rehabilitation
If you have disabilities or other special needs, vocational rehabilitation specialists can help you find suitable jobs. They offer services such as counseling, education and skills training, and help in obtaining and using assistive technology and tools.