After a cancer diagnosis, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing an oncologist. Finding an experienced and compassionate medical provider is critical because they will guide your treatment decisions moving forward.
“Forming that healthcare team is a crucial first step after diagnosis. You need to be able to have confidence in the recommendations and care you receive, understand your options, and feel comfortable that your concerns are addressed and your questions are answered,” says Julie R. Gralow, MD, chief medical officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
“Finding the right oncologist can make a significant difference in a patient’s treatment, overall experience, and, potentially, even their outcome,” Dr. Gralow says.
The process starts by asking the doctor who diagnosed you, “Which type of cancer doctor do I need?” Your cancer type and stage will determine the answer to that question.
Identify Which Type of Oncologist You Need
Some oncologists specialize in a particular type of cancer, such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, or prostate cancer. Or they may treat a group of cancers, such as ovarian and uterine cancers (gynecologic oncologists) or blood cancers like leukemia (hematologic oncologists).
Other oncologists focus on a specific treatment:
- Medical oncologists treat cancer with chemotherapy and other medications.
- Surgical oncologists remove tumors with surgery.
- Radiation oncologists oversee radiation therapy.
Often, treating cancer requires a combination of therapies, including surgery, medication, and radiation therapy. Some cancer centers offer multidisciplinary care, where you work with a team of doctors in different specialties.
Once you know what type of oncologist you need, the next step is to find one you trust.
Use These Resources to Find an Oncologist
You can start by asking your primary care physician (PCP) to refer you to an oncologist. Family members or friends who’ve undergone treatment for the same type of cancer might recommend a doctor they liked. Keep in mind if you do get a personal recommendation that everyone has their own priorities and preferences when choosing an oncologist. The doctor who was a good fit for your friend might not necessarily be right for you.
Being seen at a major cancer center isn’t realistic for everyone, however.
“They may be geographically distant for some patients or have potentially longer wait times for appointments, and they can be more expensive,” Gralow says. “Community hospitals and private-practice clinics are frequently more convenient for local patients.”
If you have a rare or complex cancer, she recommends having at least one consultation with a specialist at a major cancer center to establish your treatment plan. Then you can receive treatment at a smaller local hospital.
Medical Organization Databases
You might also search on your own for an oncologist in your area. Rather than doing a general Google search, which will likely turn up a lengthy list of doctors, focus on more specific criteria with the help of these organizations:
- The American College of Surgeons (ACS) offers a database of verified, accredited surgeons throughout the country that you can search by specialty (such as colorectal or breast surgery).
- The American Medical Association (AMA) offers a Find a Doctor feature where you can search for physicians from many specialties across the country.
- The American Board of Medical Specialties offers a tool that lets you check whether a doctor is board-certified.
‘Top Doctor’ Lists and Ratings
Here are a few ratings sites that are more reliable:
- Castle Connelly carefully screens the doctors it includes in its top doctors list based on criteria like their qualifications, education, hospital appointments, and research.
- Healthgrades lets you search doctors by condition or procedure in a particular location. You can find information on the doctor’s experience, education, board certifications, specialties, insurance plans, and patient reviews.
- Medicare offers a comparison of doctors in your area. It includes things like education and training, board certifications, and whether the doctor charges the Medicare-approved amount. But it only includes healthcare providers who accept Medicare.
- Vitals is another patient review website. You can see what insurance plans each doctor accepts, whether they’re taking new patients, and other doctors in the same specialty in the area.
Review a Doctor’s Credentials
Find out where the doctor practices. “Reviewing their affiliations with reputable hospitals or cancer centers can provide added confidence in their qualifications and the quality of care they offer,” says Danielle Saff, LCSW, clinical supervisor and older adult program manager at CancerCare, a free support organization for people affected by cancer.
Experience is another important consideration. “Seasoned oncologists are generally well-versed in the latest advancements, clinical trials, and innovative treatments,” says Saff. Find out how long the doctor has been practicing and how many patients with your type of cancer they have treated.
You’ll also want to know their success and complication rates.
Evaluate Their Bedside Manner
While credentials and expertise are critical, your relationship with the doctor also matters.
“The oncologist’s bedside manner can be just as important for many patients. A compassionate approach — where the oncologist not only provides expert medical care but also offers emotional support and clear communication — can greatly impact your experience,” Saff says.
During your first meeting, make sure that the doctor:
- Explains complex medical concepts clearly
- Encourages you to ask questions
- Values your opinions and respects your concerns
- Goes through all the available treatment options, including outcomes and potential side effects
- Makes you an active participant in your treatment plan and considers your preferences when recommending treatments
- Balances treatment effectiveness with quality-of-life concerns (for example, side effects)
- Is positive and gives you hope
Also check out the office: You may have to make many visits there during your treatment:
- Is it easy to make an appointment?
- Is the staff friendly and helpful?
- Are the office hours convenient?
- Is the office clean, comfortable, and welcoming?
- Is there a doctor on call when your oncologist isn’t available?
Get a Second Opinion
Once you’ve found an oncologist you trust, should you get a second opinion? Yes, say our experts.
“A second opinion can help confirm the initial diagnosis and treatment plan, offering reassurance and confidence in the proposed approach. It can also provide additional perspectives and potentially reveal alternative treatment options,” Saff says.
Don’t worry that you’ll offend the doctor by asking. Second opinions are an expected part of the process for oncologists — especially in late-stage or complex cancers. But they aren’t appropriate for everyone.
“Seeking a second opinion may delay the start of treatment,” says Gralow. “And if the second opinion differs significantly from the first, it might lead to confusion or increased stress.”
The Takeaway
Finding an oncologist that you trust is one of the most important steps you’ll take after a cancer diagnosis. This is the specialist who will plan out and oversee your treatment, choose the therapies that are most likely to slow or stop your cancer, and provide reassurance along the way. Having a supportive oncologist and treatment team to guide you can make the challenging months ahead much easier to manage.
