Patient Care > Choosing a Cancer Care Team

Choosing a Cancer Care Team

A diagnosis of cancer can be devastating, raising many questions about what type of treatment to pursue and which facility offers the best cancer experts. Greenwich Hospital encourages patients to make informed decisions by learning about the disease, treatment options and the cancer experts best suited to provide care.

It's only natural for patients to want to discuss treatment options with several doctors. The cancer care team at Greenwich Hospital routinely meets with patients who are seeking a second opinion. They also expedite the process for those who have come to Greenwich Hospital first and wish to consult with other professionals, as well.

Many patients who seek second opinions ultimately choose to receive treatment at Greenwich Hospital, confident they have access to state-of-the-art cancer care from skilled, compassionate experts who treat patients with dignity and respect.

Here are a few things to consider when making your choices:

• Many people begin their search for a cancer care team with their primary care physician, who can direct patients to professionals and resources.
  
  
• When selecting a physician, consider whether the doctor is a board-certified specialist. Board certification indicates that a doctor has been trained in a certain medical specialty and has taken certification exams in that field. Also consider the physician's office hours and ability to see patients in a timely fashion.
  
  
• When choosing a cancer care facility, consider whether the hospital offers a full range of services. This would include advanced diagnosis and treatment as well as support services to help patients and their families with the emotional aspects of the disease. Also consider factors such patient satisfaction and infection rates during hospitalization, if necessary. Greenwich Hospital, for example, is a national leader in patient satisfaction and has infection rates far lower than the national average.
  
  
• Talking to others who have faced the same issues is helpful. The American Cancer Society offers programs that allow people with breast or prostate cancer to speak with others who have had the disease. At Greenwich Hospital, people diagnosed with cancer can attend support groups and education forums that offer valuable medical information and emotional support.
  
  
• Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy often are administered over several weeks or months. For this reason, many patients choose to receive treatment at a facility in their own community, close to home, when possible.