How to choose the best hospital for your cancer treatment? A helpful guide.

Anticancer-Fund-and-My-Cancer-Navigator-answer-questions

A common question: “Which hospital is best for me?”

When faced with cancer, it’s only natural to ask: “Where should I go for treatment?” You want the best care, but figuring out what “the best” means can be tricky and overwhelming. Does it mean a hospital with the most expertise, one closer to home, or a place where you feel supported and understood?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But asking the right questions can help you make the choice that’s best for your specific situation.

1. Do you have a rare cancer?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a rare cancer, it’s worth consulting a specialist and considering a hospital with expertise. Rare cancers are like solving puzzles; they require doctors who have worked on similar cases before. Big hospitals, often connected to universities or networks, like Euracan in Europe, see more rare cancers. The more cases a hospital handles, the better the outcomes tend to be.

Good to know, European hospital centres of expertise are linked via the European Reference Networks (ERNs). These networks connect specialists across borders to tackle rare and complex diseases.

It’s okay to ask your doctor: “How often have you treated patients with this kind of cancer?”

For more common cancers, excellent treatment and care may also be available at smaller hospitals, closer to home. The need for referral depends on your unique situation.

2. Are there recommended hospitals for your type of cancer?

In many countries, healthcare systems are creating special centres for rare and complex cancers. This trend is driven by evidence showing that centralisation improves results and reduces costs. Some countries have national guidelines that point patients towards hospitals with the right expertise. Patients might also be directed to certain hospitals specialised in advanced surgeries or treatments requiring cutting-edge technology.

Checking if your country has a list of recognised cancer centres could give you a clearer picture of where to go.

3. What kind of treatment do you need?

The type of treatment you will receive can also guide your choice of hospital.

Surgery
For complex surgeries—like those for pancreatic or oesophageal cancer—it’s often best to seek out a high-volume centre where experienced surgeons work. Even for more common cancers, like breast cancer, a skilled surgeon can make a big difference and influence prognosis.

Systemic treatments
If your treatment plan involves treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy, you may not need a specialised hospital if standard protocols are followed.
But if you’re interested in clinical trials or innovative therapies, a larger hospital might offer more options.

Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor: “How familiar are you with this treatment?”. Being transparent about their expertise will help you make informed and confident decisions about your treatment.

4. How do you feel about your doctor and care team?

Choosing a hospital isn’t just about medical skills—it’s also about trust, communication, and how you feel during treatment. Some people prefer smaller hospitals where they see the same doctor regularly and receive more personalised care. Others might be reassured by the teamwork and resources of larger hospitals, even if it means seeing different specialists throughout treatment.

Reflect on what matters most to you: “Do I value seeing the same doctor every visit, or am I comfortable with a team of specialists managing my treatment?”. Open communication and mutual understanding are key to a positive experience.

Finding your balance

In conclusion, for rare cancers or complex surgeries, seeking care at a specialised centre often makes sense and is strongly recommended. But for many common cancers and routine treatments, local hospitals can provide excellent care too.

Ultimately, what matters is finding the care that fits your medical needs and personal preferences.

If you’re unsure, you don’t have to decide alone. Our My Cancer Navigator service is here to help. We offer personalised and trustworthy information, so you can feel confident in your choices. Whether it’s finding specialists, understanding treatment options, or exploring clinical trials, we’re just a message away.

References

I would like to ask a question to a doctor of My Cancer Navigator.

Klara Rombauts

author

Klara Rombauts (MSc) is Research Manager and HR Coordinator of the Anticancer Fund. In the role of research manager, she has been answering questions from patients since the inception of the ACF and is passionate about empowering patients with the right information. Previously, she worked as a researcher in the pharmaceutical industry.