It is shocking to hear that the symptoms for which we visited a doctor and done the prescribed tests are about nothing else but Cancer. This single word makes the world of the patient and his/her family upside down.
Though it is one of the dreadful diseases, there is no need to panic. Cancer, if detected in its early stages, can be cured entirely. The right treatment at the right time by the right doctors and in the right hospital is essential.
The very first step to fight a war against Cancer is choosing the right Oncologist. For you to choose the right Oncologist, here are some tips:
1. Ask for references.
Get suggestions from your family physician or any other doctors in the family. Also, ask other members of family and friends. These are the trusted sources from which you can get excellent suggestions on some of the good Oncologists. Make a list of suggested Oncologists.
2. Narrow down the list.
Search for the certifications, experience, skills, achievements, work ethics, and character of every person on the list. There are some websites available where you can check these things about these renowned Oncologists.
3. Specific experience.
When preparing to fight a disease like Cancer, we must have the best army on our side. Meaning we must have the best Oncologist treating us. More focus must be given to the experience of the Oncologist, specifically treating your type of Cancer. Get as much information as you can about the number of treated patients and the success rate.
4. Gender preference.
Though we talk about gender equality, though the renowned Oncologists contain both male and female doctors, it depends upon the patient when it comes to his/her comfort while undergoing the treatment. Some female patients may prefer female Oncologists, while some male patients may prefer male Oncologists, who can keep the patients in their comfort zone during the treatment.
5. Look for the hospital.
If your Oncologist and his/her team are your army, the hospital is the battlefield where you will be fighting Cancer. Check of the hospitals to which your shortlisted Oncologists are connected. The hospital must have a good reputation, good quality of required medical facilities, and dedicated staff. The location of the hospital also matters when it comes to getting external medical help.
6. The way of interaction.
The way an Oncologist talk to his patient plays a vital role in the treatment. The patients having Cancer may have been under mental shock. A good Oncologist must work both on the mind and the disease of the patient. Gather information about the way an Oncologist interacts with the patients and his/her relatives. Select an Oncologist who solaces you while interacting.
7. Genuine feedback.
It is always better to have genuine feedback about any doctor. Open and honest feedback matters when it comes to a specialist like an Oncologist. The only trusted source of getting authentic feedback about any Oncologist is from his/her patients. Try to meet his/her past and present patients and gather the information about his/her treatment, behaviour, timings, attention, sincerity, etc. This last but not the least tip will confirm your decision about finalizing an Oncologist for you.
Don't panic when you come to know that you have Cancer. Keep calm, select the right Oncologist for you and start your treatment with complete trust in him/her.
