How to Quickly Find the Right Oncologist: Tips and Resources

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.

Another approach is to start with a local cancer hospital. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) website offers a list of NCI-Designated Cancer Centers . These institutions meet rigorous quality standards and offer access to multidisciplinary teams of cancer specialists, cutting-edge cancer treatments, and clinical trials. A study in JAMA Network Open found that people who were treated at top-ranked cancer hospitals had better survival odds than those who were treated at smaller affiliates of those hospitals.

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.

• Other organizations let you search for specific types of oncologists, such as hematologic oncologists , gynecologic oncologists , and urologic oncologists .

• The American Society for Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology (ASTRO) has a database of radiation oncologists that you can search by location and cancer type.

• The American Board of Medical Specialties offers a tool that lets you check whether a doctor is board-certified.

‘Top Doctor' Lists and Ratings

Is it worth checking the "top doctors" and ratings websites, too? Some can give you insights into a doctor's hospital affiliations, insurance plans, staff friendliness, and any malpractice claims against them. But if you do plan to search ratings, keep in mind that patient experiences with doctors are very personal. One person might hate an oncologist that you would love. Also, some of these sites are more reliable than others. Top doctor lists that charge doctors for the "honor" of being included aren't necessarily trustworthy.

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.

Once you have a few oncologists' names, the next step is to learn more about them. Schedule appointments with each doctor. But before you do, ask which hospital they're affiliated with (if you don't already know), and whether they accept your health insurance (so you don't wind up with an unexpectedly high bill).

Review a Doctor's Credentials

Oncologists must complete four years of undergraduate study, four years of medical school, and three to seven years of internships and residencies. At the end of that training they'll earn either an MD or a DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine) degree. They also must be licensed in the state where they practice. Some oncologists become board-certified in a particular specialty, such as hematology or radiation oncology, by passing an exam given by their specialty's board.

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.

If your treatment involves surgery, ask how many times the doctor has performed the procedure you're having. Research finds that the more procedures a cancer surgeon has performed, the better their patients' outcomes.

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.

Some people feel more comfortable working with a doctor who looks like them. In one large study, patients rated their doctors higher when they were of the same race or ethnicity.

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.

A study in Cancer Medicine found that most second opinions enhanced the first doctor's recommendations and often improved the prognosis.

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.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy . We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

Sources

1. What Is an Oncologist? City of Hope . July 18, 2023.
2. Boffa DJ et al. Survival After Cancer Treatment at Top-Ranked US Cancer Hospitals vs. Affiliates of Top-Ranked Cancer Hospitals. JAMA Network Open . May 26, 2020.
3. Allen M. I'm a Journalist. Apparently, I'm Also One of America's "Top Doctors.". ProPublica . February 28, 2019.
4. Keehn J. How to Find a Good Doctor. Consumer Reports . March 30, 2017.
5. Choosing a Cancer Doctor. American Cancer Society . September 17, 2021.
6. Finding Cancer Care. National Cancer Institute . August 28, 2024.
7. Birkmeyer JD et al. Surgeon Volume and Operative Mortality in the United States. The New England Journal of Medicine . November 27, 2003.
8. Yeh CM et al. The Impact of Surgical Volume on Outcomes in Newly Diagnosed Colorectal Cancer Patients Receiving Definitive Surgeries. Scientific Reports . April 8, 2024.
9. Takeshita J et al. Association of Racial/Ethnic and Gender Concordance Between Patients and Physicians With Patient Experience Ratings. JAMA Network Open . November 9, 2020.
10. Lipitz-Snyderman A et al. Clinical Value of Second Opinions in Oncology: A Retrospective Review of Changes in Diagnosis and Treatment Recommendations. Cancer Medicine . April 2023.

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Walter Tsang, MD

Medical Reviewer

Walter Tsang, MD, is a board-certified medical oncologist, hematologist, and lifestyle medicine specialist. Inspired by the ancient Eastern philosophy of yang sheng ("nourishing life"), Dr. Tsang has developed a unique whole-person oncology approach that tailors cancer care and lifestyle recommendations to each patients' biopsychosocial-spiritual circumstances. He partners with patients on their cancer journeys, emphasizing empowerment, prevention, holistic wellness, quality of life, supportive care, and realistic goals and expectations. This practice model improves clinical outcomes and reduces costs for both patients and the healthcare system.

Outside of his busy clinical practice, Tsang has taught various courses at UCLA Center for East West Medicine, Loma Linda University, and California University of Science and Medicine. He is passionate about health education and started an online seminar program to teach cancer survivors about nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep health, and complementary healing methods. Over the years, he has given many presentations on integrative oncology and lifestyle medicine at community events. In addition, he was the founding co-chair of a lifestyle medicine cancer interest group, which promoted integrative medicine education and collaborations among oncology professionals.

Tsang is an active member of American Society of Clinical Oncology, Society for Integrative Oncology, and American College of Lifestyle Medicine. He currently practices at several locations in Southern California. His goal is to transform cancer care in the community, making it more integrative, person-centered, cost-effective and sustainable for the future. See full bio

Stephanie Watson

Author

Stephanie Watson is a freelance health writer who has contributed to WebMD, AARP.org, BabyCenter, Forbes Health, Fortune Well, Time , Self , Arthritis Today , Greatist, Healthgrades, and HealthCentral. Previously, she was the executive editor of Harvard Women's Health Watch and Mount Sinai's Focus on Healthy Aging . She has also written more than 30 young adult books on subjects ranging from celebrity biographies to brain injuries in football. See full bio See Our Editorial Policy Meet Our Health Expert Network