Choosing Your Cancer Care

“You’ve got cancer” are words no one ever wants to hear. The good news is that technological advances and a team approach to cancer care are changing how the health care system and our society deal with cancer—survival rates are higher than ever. What used to be a frightening experience that left patients lonely, isolated and fearing the worst has now evolved into an integrated team approach focused on managing and curing cancer.

At a growing number of cancer centers around the nation, patients take an active role in their care and interact with an entire team of health care professionals to manage and treat their illness. That means patients and their families have several important questions and considerations to explore when faced with a cancer diagnosis.

1) Choose a Quality Facility. Your ultimate goal is finding the best care possible. One of the most important considerations in achieving that goal is to find a facility that has been accredited by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons (ACOS). Only one in four cancer treatment facilities in the U.S. receives the ACOS endorsement, and 80 percent of all newly diagnosed cancer patients are treated at accredited centers. ACOS accreditation means the facility has been subject to a rigorous evaluation process to determine cancer care quality, saving you a lot of time and effort.

2) Select a Qualified Doctor. Once you have narrowed down your choice of a facility, your current doctor and health care provider can make recommendations on finding the best and most qualified physician and facility for your particular diagnosis. You’ll also want to make sure the physician’s and facility’s services will be covered by your current health insurance.

3) Ask Around. If possible, talk to family and friends about their experiences and what they have heard about area cancer centers or hospitals, particularly when it comes to treating your type of cancer. Your health provider may also be of assistance in providing information about a facility’s reputation and ratings.

4) Choose a Nearby Treatment Center. Keep in mind that cancer treatments may require frequent trips to and from the facility. So even though this may not be the overriding factor in your decision, remember that even distances that don’t seem too far initially may become a tremendous burden. Think about how you’ll get there if you need to be driven to and from your appointments.

5) Consider a Specialty Cancer Center. Dedicated cancer treatment centers with integrated care have distinct advantages that must be considered. Such centers typically use a team approach to ensure quality, consistent care, including key concerns such as pain management, dedicated case management, nutrition and emotional well being. With numerous services under one roof, such a center can also make treatment and follow up more convenient.

6) Ask About Clinical Trials. Facilities that conduct clinical trials simply provide more options for cancer patients, making new treatments available that otherwise would not be. Find out if the center or hospital you are considering offers such trials and if planned or future clinical trials involve your particular type of cancer.

7) Education and Support. Information and support are key elements in any cancer treatment plan. Newly diagnosed patients will have many questions and will look for legitimate, qualified resources for the best information and support possible. Many facilities offer dedicated support groups for patients who are undergoing treatment, in post recovery, and who are survivors.

We all understand that cancer is a serious illness, and there is still plenty of anxiety when a patient hears the word cancer, but there’s a whole new attitude and approach that accompanies today’s diagnosis of cancer.

By Patricia Seid, M.D., radiation oncologist on staff at Sutter Solano Cancer Center


Contact:
Russell Neilson, supervisor, communications and marketing, 707-554-5123