Useful Resources Online
American Cancer Society www.cancer.org
National Cancer Institute www.cancer.gov
ASCO's Cancer.Net www.cancer.net My Blood Your Blood mybloodyourblood.org American Society of Clinical Oncology www.asco.org National Guideline Clearinghouse www.guideline.gov Association of Cancer Online Resources www.acor.org U.S. National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials clinicaltrials.gov National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guide www.nccn.org
Check to be sure your hematologist/oncologist is board certified in medical oncology if he is treating a cancer related problem and in hematology if it is a blood disorder. Take note that not all specialists are board certified in both fields.
Your doctor should encourage a 2nd opinion if you have any concerns about the recommended treatment plan and should volunteer to assist you in arranging for such an opinion.
Make sure your doctor takes the time to explain his treatment recommendations and answers your questions to your satisfaction. If he appears irritated by your questions or is unwilling to give satisfactory answers then it is unlikely that the patient-physician relationship will work to your advantage.