Choosing a facility to provide your mesothelioma treatment and care can be a challenging task. As a general rule of thumb, larger hospitals and specialized cancer centers may have more experience in dealing with different cancers. As a result, they may offer more treatment services for patients with rare disorders such as mesothelioma.

Asking the right questions is an important first step in choosing a place that's right for your needs. Below are some points to consider when researching a facility for treating mesothelioma.

• Is the facility conveniently located?
• Is the facility clean and well-maintained?
• Is the facility experienced in treating mesothelioma?
• Has the facility been successful at treating mesothelioma?
• Does the mesothelioma treatment facility monitor and improve its quality of care? How?
• Has the facility been approved by a nationally recognized organization, such as the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and/or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)?
• Does the facility clearly explain patients' rights and responsibilities? Are copies of this information available to me?
• Does the facility house all of the services I will need at some point during my mesothelioma treatment (i.e. pathology lab, diagnostic lab, radiation therapy equipment, magnetic resonance imaging equipment, social services department)?
• Does the treatment facility offer assistance in helping me find financial aid if I need it?
• Will I see the same providers each time I visit?
• Have my questions and concerns been addressed in a courteous, friendly manner by the staff?
• Does the staff in general seem knowledgeable about their facility and its services?

Commission on Cancer

The Commission on Cancer (COC) of the American College of Surgeons has established a cancer treatment facilities approval program. Its list includes over 1,400 facilities in the U.S., each having demonstrated exceptional diagnosis and treatment services for cancer patients. To search for a COC-approved cancer treatment facility near you, please visit The American Cancer Society.

National Cancer Institute

With a goal of improving cancer research, The National Cancer Institute (NCI) works with over 60 cancer treatment centers in the U.S. Each of these facilities is actively committed to reducing the impact of cancer on the population. For a comprehensive directory of NCI-designated facilities, please visit NCI Cancer Centers.