Although there will always be limitations on how much time a doctor can spend with any given patient, the doctor-patient relationship is extremely important after a cancer diagnosis says Dr. Nina Shah, a hematologist at UCSF Medical Center. You’ll want to make sure you are working with a doctor you trust, who will respect your opinion and keep you informed about all of the treatment options for your particular diagnosis.
You’ll also want to know about your doctors credentials. It’s very important that your doctor is board-certified in treating cancer. This proves that your doctor has special expertise in cancer. And you may even want to find someone who is board-certified in treating your specific cancer. Experience is also important. You want a doctor who has seen and treated a lot of people with your cancer. Such a doctor is more likely to be up-to-date on the standard and experimental treatments currently available.
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