How to choose the right cancer doctor

Cancer is one of the most frightening and complex diagnosis in medicine. Once diagnosed with cancer, patients embark on a long journey towards understanding and finding the appropriate options to fight and conquer this dreadful disease.

Of all the available options and decisions facing a cancer patient, the most important is their choice of physician. Cancer doctors (oncologists) come in many forms and shapes depending on their backgrounds, interests, practice locations, resources and personalities. Some work in academic centers affiliated with universities, some have their own private practices and others work for non-academic health systems. Regardless of the cancer doctor or institution you initially choose (I am assuming you and/or your personal doctor will choose a reputable, well trained, licensed oncologist) there is a wealth of information you MUST receive during that first visit. If you don't, look elsewhere, that cancer doctor is not for you.

The basic elements of a physician's evaluation of a new cancer patient include history taking, physical exam, review of laboratory and pathology results, as well as a thorough and comprehensive discussion of the disease process and treatment options available. This sounds basic but you will be surprised how few patients receive this service.

Your cancer doctor MUST take the time to explain the following things during your first visit:

1. The nature of your disease (what type of cancer you have, where did it originate from, what contributed to its development, is there a hereditary basis for it, etc ).

2. Its stage (how advanced it is, is it contained or has it spread, etc).

3. Prognosis (the expected outcome of your disease, is it a potentially curable cancer or not, life expectancy, etc).

4. Treatment options (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination).

5 Duration of treatment and plans to evaluate response (every week, every month, etc).

6. Goals of treatment (helping with symptoms, prolonging your life, curing your cancer).

7. Detailed discussion about possible side effects of therapy.

6. Complementary and supportive options (specific diets, supplements, vitamins, etc, that may help or worsen your disease).

7. Role of experimental therapy in your disease, if any.

Your cancer doctor MUST take TIME to explain ALL of these complex issues during your first visit. He or she MUST also allow time to answer ALL of your questions and clarify any misunderstood issues. Your cancer doctor MUST be compassionate and responsive to your needs and above all be honest with you. Depending on the complexity of your case, your first appointment with a cancer doctor should last between 40 to 80 minutes of "face-to-face" contact (that is receiving information DIRECTLY from the physician).

Remember; a cancer doctor is a professional rendering an expert service. That first visit is not free, you are paying for his time and expertise. Therefore, if at the end of your first visit with a cancer doctor you are confused about your diagnosis and/or treatment options, did not receive information about prognosis, side effects of therapy or schedule of events, think that some of your questions were left unanswered or feel that your cancer doctor was "in a hurry" during your visit, trust me, you need someone else...