Cancer Treatment Facilities

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) of The National Institutes of Health has three designations for cancer centers, based upon the specialization of the research programs. An NCI designated cancer center conducts very focused research, such as basic research and epidemiology studies. A clinical cancer center usually combines basic science (laboratory research) with strong clinical science, such as patient-oriented research. The highest level of distinction among cancer centers is a comprehensive cancer center. There are 37 comprehensive cancer centers nationwide that integrate strong basic and clinical research along with cancer prevention, cancer control and population sciences research.

Clinical cancer centers and comprehensive cancer centers have an important role in their communities by providing screening and early detection, educational and support activities. These program influence the standard of care in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer as well as in prevention and other related services. Many smaller and/or community hospitals have affiliations with NCI-designated cancer centers, although nearly all hospitals have the resources to treat people with cancer. More and more, treatment for cancer is performed on an outpatient basis in hospital clinics, doctors' offices and in the home.

Healthcare Providers Involved In Treating Cancer

A multi-disciplinary team is a group of medical care providers made up of many different healthcare specialists who work together to provide the highest quality of cancer treatment. In a teaching or university-affiliated hospital, you may have an attending physician (who is responsible for planning your treatment), a fellow (a physician completing advanced specialty training), and a resident or intern (a physician who is receiving training in internal medicine, surgery or radiation oncology).

Oncology Nurses are responsible for your nursing care during hospitalizations and office visits, and are frequently the ones to administer chemotherapy.

A Clinical Nurse Specialist has a master's degree in nursing and provides education, nursing services and/or consultation.

Oncology Social Workers are often available to help patients and families adjust to the emotional and practical changes that may occur with cancer and its treatment. Social workers also assist with planning for discharge from the hospital or outpatient care. The Social Worker has knowledge of community resources that can provide additional support throughout the cancer experience.

Some additional specialists who may be involved with your care:

• Hematologist-Oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating blood-related cancers such as Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's Lung Cancer, and leukemia.

• Pathologist is a physician who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope such as the cells gathered in a lymph node biopsy.

• Surgical Oncologist is a physician who specializes in cancer surgery. There is currently no specific board certification program for surgical oncology.

• Radiation Oncologists can become board certified in the field of therapeutic radiology and specialize in treating cancer using radiation therapy.

• Medical Oncologist is a physician who becomes board certified in medical oncology and specializes in treating cancer with chemotherapy.

• Nuclear Medicine Specialist is a person who is expert in administering nuclear medicine through the use of very small amounts of radioactive materials or radiopharmaceuticals to diagnose and treat diseases like Lung Cancer.

• Registered Dietician assists with nutritional concerns and eating problems.

• Rehabilitation Specialists such as physical and occupational therapists help restore and improve physical functioning that has been impaired during an illness. This includes strengthening muscles and enhancing the ability to perform activities of daily living and self-care.

• Psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse, psychologist and/or social worker provides counseling to help patients and family members cope with the emotional impact of cancer.

• Pain Specialists are experts in pain management and include anesthesiologists and behavioral therapists who can evaluate and treat difficult-to-manage pain and discomfort.

Download this treatment team form (.pdf, 3 pages) to help you keep track of important names and phone numbers.

Download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat.