Choosing the best hospital to treat lung cancer is one of the most significant decisions that one must make. Diagnosis of lung cancer can be overwhelming, and selecting a suitable mode of treatment can sometimes become difficult. Making the right decision during a difficult time can be a challenging task.
After a cancer diagnosis, one must investigate the best lung cancer hospital in India. There are minimal chances of finding the best treatment center close to the residence. One must consider several factors before choosing the treatment center, irrespective of the distance one needs to travel. Here we look at ways to choose the right lung cancer hospital and factors to consider.
Ensuring the right choice matters
Lung cancer treatment is evolving rapidly. And choosing the right treatment center with the best medical experts is vital. One has to ensure that one gets the latest information and treatment options. Today, lung cancer treatment in India is progressing by leaps and bounds. Different types and stages of lung cancer treatment require different kinds of treatment.
There are many factors that one should take into consideration while choosing the best cancer treatment center. First, experts suggest that patients seek help at comprehensive cancer centers with the right experience and facilities.
Factors to consider while choosing the treatment center
When looking for the best hospital to treat lung cancer, it is essential to look at several factors to help narrow down the option. After the diagnosis, starting the treatment at the earliest might get tempting. But taking time and choosing the best based on different factors will help get the proper treatment per the needs.
Quality of treatment and care
Choosing a treatment center with a history of providing the best quality care should be the utmost priority. A center’s quality of treatment and care can be a decisive factor in the initial stage. One can use several resources to start with research about various treatment centers. One can also find information about multiple centers online in today’s digital age. Some renowned centers like Apollo Cancer Centre, treat maximum number of patients with varying complexities.
Specialized treatment is a must-have
Lung cancer treatment is highly complex and requires precision and experience. Because of this reason, it is always beneficial to consult specialists of lung cancer who can provide a better perspective. Moreover, one might need to visit multiple specialists to understand different aspects of the condition.
There is a paradigm shift happening in cancer treatment which requires comprehensiveness of care for the patient. It requires expertise and commitment from the cancer care team. Moreover, today’s treatment requires innovation and a new way of thinking. Thus, choosing a center with everything under one roof can be beneficial.
Apollo Cancer Care Center is one of India’s best places to get lung cancer treatment. They bring together the best team with ample experience and expertise in the latest treatment methods. Moreover, they have the brightest minds in oncology, surgery, Proton therapy, Cyberknife and high-end ancillary services. The lung cancer treatment team might include an oncologist, thoracic surgeon, radiation oncologist, pulmonologist, and palliative care specialists. Moreover, one might also need therapists and other physicians for complete recovery. At Apollo Cancer Centre, one can find the best team under one roof with the mission of working together and providing the best support to the patient.
The volume of patients at the center
While smaller centers might provide a personalized approach to care, big cancer care centers have advantages. They get access to the latest and high-end technology, like imaging and radiation therapy resources and equipment. Moreover, with an increase in the volume of patients, the experience also increases. Because of this, the experts at these centers have a better outlook on lung cancer.
Treatment options offered by the center
One of the significant factors that impact the decision is the types of treatment options available. One might require a specific treatment for lung cancer which might not be available at every center. For example, Proton therapy and CyberKnife Radiosurgery for lung cancer is only available at a few centers in India, like Apollo.
Lung cancer treatment in India is at a nascent stage, with clinical trials limited to specific centers. Moreover, newer techniques and alternative therapies are only available in some places. Because of this, one must look at all the treatment options available at a center and choose the one most suitable.
Location of the treatment center
Because of the sparsity of expert treatment centers in India, some people prefer to receive care at a treatment center close to home or family. Therefore, looking at hospitals with proper housing facilities is beneficial and can provide lodging during the treatment. However, traveling for treatment can get expensive, so looking at options with facilities is critical.
Validate details with your insurance provider
If you have insurance, it can be beneficial to check with your insurance company to get a list of cancer centers they cover. Choosing a treatment center that comes under your insurance can help in saving a lot in costs. Getting all the details from the insurance company and selecting the best treatment center can help in numerous ways.
Do not hesitate to get a second opinion before making the decision
Many people would like to consult other specialists to get a second opinion. However, they believe that they might offend their current doctor or it will waste their valuable time. Therefore, it is critical to note that getting a second opinion is not uncommon and very much expected.
Checking with one more treatment center will help to provide security in decision-making. Moreover, one should be quick to ask questions while making decisions about treatment centers. Extracting maximum information will make the decision easier.
Final Thoughts
While making a treatment decision, it’s critical to remember that one is equally responsible for their care. The experts will provide options, but it’s up to the patient to decide. One should assess their needs and consider external factors before deciding. Based on individual preferences and treatment requirements, one should make a decision post-consultation with experts.
Dr. Khader Hussain Consultant - Thoracic Oncology-Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai