How to Find the Right Oncologist

Types of Oncologists

Oncology is a broad field, and different specialists focus on different aspects of cancer care. Your treatment team may include one or more of the following:

Medical Oncologist

A medical oncologist is often the primary doctor coordinating your cancer care. They specialize in treating cancer with systemic therapies, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. Medical oncologists diagnose cancer, explain your treatment options, manage side effects, and monitor your progress throughout treatment and during follow-up.

Surgical Oncologist

A surgical oncologist specializes in removing tumors and performing biopsies. They are trained in cancer-specific surgical techniques and understand how to achieve clear margins (removing all visible cancer) while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Some surgical oncologists subspecialize in specific cancer types, such as breast surgical oncologists or gynecologic oncologists.

Radiation Oncologist

A radiation oncologist specializes in treating cancer with radiation therapy. They design your radiation treatment plan, determine the appropriate dose and schedule, and manage radiation-related side effects. Radiation oncologists work closely with medical physicists and dosimetrists to deliver precise, effective treatment.

Other Specialists

• Hematologist-oncologist: Specializes in blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma
• Gynecologic oncologist: Specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system, including ovarian and uterine cancer
• Urologic oncologist: Specializes in cancers of the urinary system and male reproductive organs, including bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer
• Neuro-oncologist: Specializes in brain and central nervous system cancers
• Pediatric oncologist: Specializes in cancers affecting children and adolescents

How to Evaluate Credentials

When choosing an oncologist, consider the following factors:

Board Certification

Verify that your oncologist is board-certified in their specialty through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Board certification indicates the doctor has completed required training and passed rigorous examinations. You can check certification status at the ABMS website or through your state medical board.

Experience and Specialization

Ask how many patients with your specific type and stage of cancer the doctor treats each year. Research shows that outcomes are often better when patients are treated by specialists who see a high volume of their particular cancer. For rare cancers, this is especially important.

Hospital and Cancer Center Affiliation

The hospital or cancer center where your doctor practices matters. Look for accreditation by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) and consider whether the facility is an NCI-designated cancer center, which indicates the highest standards of cancer research and treatment.

NCI-Designated Cancer Centers

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) designates cancer centers that meet rigorous standards for cancer research, treatment, and prevention. There are three designation levels:

• NCI-Designated Cancer Centers: Conduct significant cancer research programs
• NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers: The highest designation, indicating broad-based research, clinical care, and community outreach. There are currently 72 NCI-designated cancer centers in the United States.
• Clinical Cancer Centers: Focus on clinical research and patient care

Being treated at an NCI-designated center gives you access to the latest clinical trials, cutting-edge treatments, and multidisciplinary tumor boards where specialists from different fields review your case together.

Questions to Ask Your Oncologist

Prepare questions before your first appointment. Consider bringing a friend or family member to help take notes.

Getting a Second Opinion

Seeking a second opinion is a standard and recommended step, not a sign of distrust. Most oncologists encourage it, particularly for complex or rare cancers. A second opinion can:

• Confirm your diagnosis and staging
• Validate the recommended treatment plan
• Offer alternative treatment approaches you may not have considered
• Provide peace of mind and confidence in your decision

When seeking a second opinion, request copies of your medical records, pathology slides, and imaging scans to bring to the new doctor. Many major cancer centers offer second opinion consultations, including virtual options. Most insurance plans cover second opinions, and some require them before certain procedures.

Insurance Navigation

Navigating insurance during cancer treatment can be overwhelming. Here are key steps:

• Verify coverage: Confirm your oncologist and treatment facility are in-network before starting treatment
• Pre-authorization: Many treatments, scans, and procedures require pre-authorization from your insurer
• Financial counselors: Most cancer centers have financial counselors or patient navigators who can help with insurance questions, co-pay assistance programs, and financial aid applications
• Clinical trials: Insurance typically covers standard care costs associated with clinical trial participation; the trial sponsor usually covers the experimental treatment
• Appeal denials: If a recommended treatment is denied, your doctor's office can help you file an appeal

Doctor Finder Resources

The following organizations offer tools to help you find qualified oncologists and cancer treatment centers:

Last reviewed: March 2026. This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice specific to your situation.