Finding out that you have cancer can be quite frustrating. The good news is that if you get the proper treatment, then you can potentially beat it and live a healthy life. However, the key to fighting cancer is to choose the right treatment center. There are several things that you need to look for in a treatment center.
Credentials
There are some cancer centers that are better than others. You should look for a center that has been accredited by a professional organization. The Commission on Cancer, American College of Radiology, American College of Surgeons and National Accreditation Program for Breast Cancer are some of the organizations that accredit cancer centers. The ideal goal is to find a center that is accredited for the treatment of your specific cancer type that you are facing, of course, but a general accreditation is also very important and useful when looking for a place to start.
Ratings
A good cancer center will typically have good ratings, though you’ll have to read the ratings carefully to determine their reliability for yourself. Healthgrades.com and Medicare.gov have cancer center ratings that are much more reliable and useful than those found on your typical yahoo and google reviews. Ideally, the cancer center should have a Healthgrades rating of five stars. Medicare.gov allows people to answer questions about the experience that they had at a particular facility, which can be helpful for those with particular concerns about a facility.
Distance Away From Home
Many people are willing to travel a long distance to get the treatment that they need. However, you should choose a cancer treatment center that is not far away from your home whenever possible. Cancer treatments can leave you feeling fatigued and even unable to drive yourself, so you’ll need a place that you can get regular carpool rides to from a friend or family member. If you are unable to find a place you can easily get rides to, speak with the center about potential transport options that some facilities offer for disabled patients.
Experience
The experience of the oncologists is one of the things that will affect the outcome of your treatments. You should choose a cancer treatment center that has experience treating your specific type of cancer and whose doctors have a long history with. You should ask the center how many patients they have treated who have the same cancer as you, and ask who their recommended specialists are to work with within that facility.
Technology
Cancer treatments are constantly changing. New treatments are less invasive and come with less side effects than old treatments. The right technology will also make it easier for you to get the treatment that you need. New technology can make it easier for the doctors to diagnose your condition. If they can properly diagnose your condition, then they will be able to give you better treatment. Speak with your doctor about the latest diagnostic and treatment options for your condition and try to find centers with the most up to date technology in these areas.
No one wants to ever hear the words “You have cancer.” However, if you choose the right treatment center, then you will likely have a better outcome. You should choose a center with the right credentials. You should also choose one that has high ratings, experience and uses the latest technology. Furthermore, you should choose one that is close to home.