Choosing a Cancer Doctor
When you learn that you or a family member has cancer, you want to get the best possible medical care and treatment. Choosing a doctor will be one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
Finding the right cancer doctor (oncologist) can take time. It is important that you find a doctor you feel comfortable with and who will work with you through your diagnosis and treatment. Ask the doctor who found your cancer if you need to find a cancer doctor right away or if you can take some time to check out your options.
Decide what you need and want in a doctor
First, you need to look for a doctor who treats your type of cancer. You may need a special type of oncologist or even more than one kind of oncologist for your treatment. The most common types of cancer doctors include:
- Medical oncologists
- Hematologist-oncologists
- Surgical oncologists