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Cancer care is not one size fits all.  It is complex and requires input from a team of people from different disciplines (multidisciplinary care). It also depends on each person’s specific condition. Care is based on research and treatment standards that strive for the best outcomes possible. Learn more about how cancer care is delivered.

Types of cancer care

The type of cancer care you receive will depend on the goals of your treatment. You may receive:

• Cancer-focused treatment like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery
• Symptom management (supportive care) through palliative care or other services
• End of life care or hospice
• Survivorship or after-treatment care

You and your cancer care team will determine the goals for your treatment and type of care you need.

Where is cancer care given?

Where cancer care is given has changed over time. It used to be given mostly in the inpatient setting. But now, more care has transitioned to the outpatient setting. Cancer care can be given in the following settings:

• Home
• Inpatient or outpatient
• Telehealth
• Skilled nursing and rehab

Not all cancer care can be given in each setting. Check with your cancer care team and insurance to find out where your care will be given.

Types of cancer centers

Some types of cancer centers that might provide your cancer care are:

Comprehensive cancer centers

Comprehensive cancer centers provide cancer care that includes research, patient care, educational programs, and other supportive services that address all patient care needs (like nutritional, financial, and emotional ). These centers are usually recognized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for meeting strict standards for preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer.

Academic cancer centers

These centers are usually part of teaching hospitals, medical schools, or universities. They provide access to advanced technologies to treat cancer, clinical trials, and focus on teaching future health care providers how to care for cancer patients. These centers may not be located in your area, and you might have to travel to get to one. When you have rare or advanced cancers, you may visit these centers to see what kinds of treatment they can offer you or to get a second opinion.  Other times, your cancer care team may refer you to one.  

Community cancer centers or hospitals

These are cancer centers close to your home that offer cancer care . They may or may not have access to clinical trials or advanced technologies to treat cancer. Your cancer care team may refer you to academic cancer centers, comprehensive cancer centers, or specialty cancer centers if they cannot provide the care that you need.

Independent or private practice cancer centers

These centers might not be affiliated with a hospital system. They can provide cancer care and infusion services. Sometimes, providers at these practices have privileges at a hospital in case their patients need inpatient care. If you receive care in the hospital, your team may also refer you to other cancer care centers if you need care they can’t provide.

Specialty cancer centers

Can provide care for a specific illness or group of people. An example of this type of center is a children’s cancer treatment center.

VA National Oncology Program (NOP) centers

NOP centers provide care for veterans with cancer. Care includes traditional treatment (like chemotherapy or radiation therapy), Whole Health practices (like acupuncture and massage), physical therapy, and counseling. They also have a TeleOncology program (NATO) to provide specialty cancer care for people who don’t have access to this care otherwise.

Choosing where to receive cancer care is an important and personal decision. Visit Choosing a Cancer Center or Hospital and Choosing a Doctor for help making your decision.