How to Choose a Doctor for Cancer Treatment

I think when you are looking for a doctor to treat your cancer, you should be picky. After all, your life is at stake. If I had cancer and needed a doctor, I would search for the best I could find. With the internet, it is easy to do searches and find reviews. It is also pretty easy to seek out any type of malpractice or wrongful death lawsuits that have been filed against the doctor. Definitely make sure you do your due diligence to make sure your life is in the correct hands. - vvv@davvv.com on 1/17/2012 

I agree with the previous poster, but I also think that the type of oncologist you choose should be an experienced physician who specializes in the particular type of cancer you have been diagnosed with- after all, there are so many different types of cancer and each person's case is different. - Whitney on 1/17/2012 

Be knowledgeable and ask questions. It can be hard to remember that your doctor is working for you and you are in charge. If for any reason you are uncomfortable with your doctor get a second opinion. Cancer is hard but making sure you have the right doctor for you can take a huge burden off your shoulders. - Whitney on 1/23/2012 

If you know other people who have dealt with the same form of cancer as you are, or have gotten involved with a support group or other community of fellow patients, talk to them about how they felt about their doctor. You may find a good recommendation for a local doctor, guidance on what to look for in a good doctor or an effective form of treatment — or advice on doctors, hospitals or therapies to avoid. - bparrett77@gmail.com on 1/31/2012 

I agree that choosing a doctor to treat your cancer is an important decision. For many people, this can literally be a life and death decision. You should research your doctor as thoroughly as possible given the time frame you are dealing with. I think you should also consider whether or not the doctor provides care to the whole person or just the cancer itself. I would want a doctor who understands what I am dealing with emotionally as well as physically. - JessicaH on 2/6/2012 

The last commenter is correct. There are many types of cancer and many types of doctors. Everyone is different. It is important therefore, to be very selective in finding a doctor. There are plenty of stories of people moving across the country to be with a doctor who works for them. When thinking about it, consider the fact that it is literally your life at stake. You want the best doctor possible to take care of you, so in my mind you should do everything in your power to make sure that is possible. - MaryMAlbreit94 on 2/14/2012 

Choosing your oncologist may prove to be the most important part of the treatment process. Word of mouth recommendations can be helpful, as can Internet research regarding physician credentials - and patient complaints or malpractice suits. In the end, what may matter most to you (given equal competency among candidates) is his or her treatment philosophy. If your goal is to get rid of the cancer at all costs, you will prefer someone who is aggressive and on board with the newest treatments, even if they are experimental. If you are the kind of person who cautiously weighs the effect of treatment on quality of life, you might prefer an oncologist more in line with your own desires. Personality is also a factor that should be part of the decision. - mary on 2/21/2012 

Healthcare insurance companies offer a litany of services to customers regarding choosing a physician that you feel is right for you. Physician directories often have descriptions of the doctor such as location and languages spoken that might better accommodate you or make you feel more comfortable. It might also be worth it to take recommendations from others into account through a circle of friends or social network. - RockGirl on 2/27/2012 

Choosing a doctor for cancer treatment should entail a lot of research. Make sure you research, and confirm his or her qualifications. Also, it helps to have a good communication level. You wouldn't want a doctor who doesn't return phone calls promptly. Always insist on answers and make sure you get them quickly. - Towanda1200 on 3/7/2012 

I completely agree with all that has been posted. You need to do an incredible amount of research, be picky, and check with insurance. I also think it is important to note that you should choose someone that you personally like and someone that seems to "get you." You will probably be spending a lot of time with this person, so liking them will be important. - SRFrank1107 on 3/23/2012 

All the posters are spot on -- this is the most important choice you can make. You have to have confidence in your doctor, and if you can afford it, get multiple opinions and reccomendations. - v-dawg on 3/27/2012 

Like the posters said, the internet is the best thing to do. Also, when you meet your doctor make sure you ask good questions about his experience. - Anonymous on 3/30/2012 

When choosing a cancer doctor, I can tell you from personal experience with a family member that the best information about doctors that we got came from support groups at the hospitals. In those meetings, we met people who had seen all of the different doctors and could give us there personal feelings on a doctors work and bedside manner. - smtingley on 4/3/2012 

I agree with the posters above. The Internet and various reviews are the best bet. Also talk to other doctors you trust in different fields. They may be able to recommend the best doctors for you. - Anonymous on 4/7/2012