Of course a patient can find qualified medical care anywhere. There are good doctors all over just like there are bad ones. We all need to find a team where we trust them, after all this is a battle for our lives.

A CCC is where they attract the brightest and most talented physicians and specialists. These facilities will normally have the best of everything including equipment. At a CCC a team based approach is used where all the specialists meet weekly to discuss each individual case. They will all be on the same page making a treatment plan with all the specialists weighing in as what is best for the patient.

Regular hospitals do not normally use a team based approach, nor do they always follow the NCCN guidelines. Too often the radiation oncologist advises the patient they need radiation, the chemo doc says use chemo and the surgeon says lets operate. Ive seen many instances where these places are not familiar with treating oral cancer patients so they are inexperienced which has a major negative impact on the patient.

It is not only my opinion that a cancer center is better, this is a proven fact. There have been studies done supporting why cancer centers are better equipped to deal with oral cancer patients. Of course a patient can have a successful outcome at other locations as well. Some patients will have only one shot at this and if given just one chance at eliminating the cancer then they will want to go to a CCC. This is also important in complicated and recurrence cases to give them the best chance of survival. Why not go to where they treat hundreds of cases a year and are the most experienced to increase your odds of successful treatment. Treatment and getting rid of the cancer is the most important thing, everything else including finances arent as urgent.


Where you are Treated Matters article