Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Facility for Screening, Diagnosing and Treating Cancer in Texas
The recent advancements in technology especially in proteomics and genomics have made identifying biomarkers for cancer detection and diagnosis an easy process in high-throughput screens. The advances have increased the interest in research and clinical relevance applicability of new tests. The best way to defeat cancer is by catching it in its early stages.
Most cancer care facilities offer advanced screening and testing procedures and technologies for cancer care. Screening and testing for cancer early enough allows for minimally invasive cancer treatments with high chances of success.
Several factors have to be considered when choosing a cancer care facility. Here are some of them:
- Type of facility/hospital – Many facilities in Texas offer comprehensive treatment for cancer, and each of them strives to provide excellent cancer care. There are National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers which are noted for high quality care which includes more science and research-based cancer care. Some of the centers are affiliated with medical schools to give priority to more research. The non-academic cancer facilities focus mainly on total patient care.
- Hospital volume – It is the number of people that receive cancer care at a hospital. High hospital volume may mean that the cancer facility offers high-quality, comprehensive cancer care.
- Multi-disciplinary professional teams – A cancer care facility that uses multidisciplinary teams to diagnose and treat cancer is one to look out for. Utilizing a team-based approach to cancer care involves all the healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care is provided to patients. The approach provides better care because there’s increased communication.
- The other factors to consider include transportation to the cancer care facility, insurance coverage, and the cost of the treatment process.
When finding a hospital, you can try to combine information from several sources which will help you to make an informed decision. You can get referrals from family, friends, cancer survivors, the National Cancer Institute, or your primary care provider. Making a personal visit to the facility will help you assess the center regarding the services provided and the distance from your home. You can also get ratings from accrediting organizations to find a quality cancer care facility.