When someone is diagnosed with cancer especially a particularly difficult kind like pancreatic cancer they often look for the best.

The best treatment. The best doctor. The best hospital. The best chance.

When it comes to pancreatic cancer, the best healthcare team is:

And if you are considering or getting surgery, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) recommends seeing a surgeon who performs more than 15 pancreatic surgeries per year to determine your eligibility and to perform the surgery.

If you have a rare form of pancreatic cancer (any type other than pancreatic adenocarcinoma), it is also important to see a doctor who has experience treating your specific type of cancer, if possible.

When trying to find the best doctors and center for you, it is important to consider finances and insurance coverage, whether you are able to travel, what type of pancreatic cancer you have, what your treatment goals are and what you are looking for in a healthcare team.

PanCAN keeps a list of pancreatic cancer specialists and high-volume centers throughout the country. Contact our Patient Services for specialists that meet your needs, such as expertise and geography.

Pancreatic cancer is relatively rare, and its treatment requires specialized knowledge and experience. While local hospitals can offer quality care, large academic cancer centers may be more likely to have doctors who are up to date on pancreatic cancer treatments and research.

These centers are also more likely to offer more clinical trials, a multidisciplinary team and support services than smaller, local hospitals.

Its important to remember that every patient is different, has different needs and responds to treatment differently.

Precision medicine treatment based on a persons or their tumors biology may help find the treatment that is best for you. PanCANs Know Your Tumor precision medicine service can help eligible patients access tumor biomarker testing and genetic testing to tell you about your biology and inform treatment decisions, regardless of where you are being treated. Contact PanCANs Patient Services for more information about precision medicine and Know Your Tumor.

When considering a doctor, ask:

Remember that your healthcare team is made up of more than just your doctor, and all roles are critical. For example, PanCAN recommends patients see a registered dietitian who has experience working with cancer patients. This person may be a part of your doctors or institutions care team, or they may be found outside of it.

No matter what, be sure to ask any current or prospective healthcare team members questions. Its important that you feel comfortable and supported by your healthcare team.

During the coronavirus pandemic, you may have additional challenges finding a doctor. Hospitals and institutions all have different policies right now. If the doctor or institution you are working with or want to see is not providing what you need, contact Patient Services. Our team can help you figure out other options, including helping you find another specialist or treatment center if needed.

And right now, advocating for yourself is more critical than ever. PanCAN is always here to support you in that endeavor and with anything else you may need.

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Choosing the Best Pancreatic Cancer Doctor and Hospital for You - Pancreatic Cancer News & Stories