<b>Choosing A Doctor</b>

After a diagnosis of sarcoma, choosing the right physician can be a difficult and confusing process. It is important to find a doctor who has experience treating the particular type and stage of cancer you have. This is especially challenging with sarcomas because specialists are difficult to find and often are not located close to home. Visit our list of helpful contacts and resources to assist you in finding a sarcoma specialist that's right for you. The Cancer Information Service (1-800-4-Cancer) can also assist you with treatment facilities including cancer centers and other programs in your area that are supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).Several approaches can be taken when a sarcoma specialist is far from home. If you have available financial and social support and are physically strong enough, travelling to one of the sarcoma treatment centers may be the right choice for you. If temporarily moving to a treatment center is not an option, it may be worth your time and money to make a consultation appointment at a sarcoma center. In this way you can obtain treatment advice from a sarcoma specialist and bring this home to your local oncologist for implementation. Sometimes consulting oncologists will write up treatment protocols that your local oncologist can use to guide your treatment. If travelling is not an option at all, have your local oncologist consult by phone with a sarcoma specialist for treatment advice and protocol. In addition to finding a physician who has experience treating sarcoma, it is important that you feel comfortable and confident with your physician. Treating sarcoma can often be a long and arduous experience. Finding a physician who is professionally competent as well as an empathetic and effective communicator is essential. Being treated for cancer is a vulnerable and often terrifying experience and being heard is a key aspect of effective treatment. A good oncologist should be open to questions, interested in concerns, a good listener, and not in a rush.