Hearing the words, "You have cancer," is life-altering. The road ahead may be difficult and figuring out how to treat the cancer diagnosis is only the beginning. Newly diagnosed persons often have a steep learning curve when facing and understanding their cancer diagnoses and future treatment. There is a whole new world of terminology and concepts that can create some anxiety and more questions.

After processing the diagnosis, the next crucial step is determining where to receive care. A new patient will learn that there are many options and each cancer treatment facility has its specialties and unique offerings that may or may not fit their cancer treatment plan. Read our blog about choosing the right cancer treatment center.

We'd like to think that all physicians and medical practices are equal and provide similar outcomes. However, this isn't the case. While all physicians strive to deliver the best care possible, there are significant differences in technology, experience and resources among practices, affecting patient outcomes.

Oncology practices invest in various technologies and training to serve their communities, leading to differing standards of care. Some treatment centers are awarded grants or funding through accreditation programs like the Florida Cancer Center of Excellence or becoming an NCI-Designated Cancer Center. More resources available can lead to more research, medical trials and other works that advance treatment methods.

What is a High-Volume Cancer Center?

In simple terms, a high-volume cancer center is a hospital or treatment center that treats a large number of patients with a specific type of cancer each year. By continually treating a cancer type, the physicians and staff become experts in treating their patients with the most effective care methods with the best chance of positive outcomes. These experts will be versed in the nuances of the variety of treatment options and the best course of treatment based on a given number of factors.

Benefits of High-Volume Cancer Centers

There are many studies that show improved outcomes for cancer patients treated at a high-volume cancer treatment center. According to a 2020 study by Malik et al., cancer patients undergoing treatment for malignant bone tumors at high-volume facilities experience slightly better overall survival rates than those treated at lower-volume centers.

Patients with chondrosarcomas, a rare bone tumor that forms in cartilage cells, benefitted the most from cancer treatment at a high-volume center. With only about 600 diagnoses per year, these patients need specialists experienced in dealing with such rare tumors. But what about other cancers?

Even though the study focused on chondrosarcoma patients, other cancer patients can benefit from treatment at high-volume centers too.

To understand why, consider a construction analogy. Imagine remodeling a bathroom. Options range from a big box store to a general contractor or even a DIY project. Any of these could produce great results.

However, hiring a company specializing in bathroom remodels might be the best choice for high-quality, expert work producing the most functional and beautiful result. Similarly, cancer patients can benefit from seeking specialists who perform numerous procedures treating their specific type of cancer which studies have shown can produce the best outcomes.

Is the Treatment Center I’m Researching a High-Volume Facility?

If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer, seeking help and asking the right questions is crucial. Looking for a facility that performs a high volume of procedures for your specific cancer type may be beneficial. Here are some questions to help you determine if a facility is high-volume:

1. How many of these procedures do you complete daily?

   • Why it matters: High-volume centers often have more experience and refined techniques for treating specific cancers. The frequency of procedures can indicate the facility's level of expertise and familiarity with your type of cancer. Most often this correlates to having the latest technology and understanding any potential complications.
2. What are your outcomes?
   • Why it matters: Outcomes, including survival rates, recovery times, and complication rates, are a key indicator of a facility’s success in treating cancer. A high-volume center with good outcomes typically reflects a high level of skill and expertise. Ask for specific statistics related to your cancer type, and make sure they are up-to-date and relevant.
3. How have your outcomes changed in the past ten years and why?
   • Why it matters: Continuous improvement is a hallmark of a good healthcare facility. Understanding how outcomes have evolved can provide insight into the center’s commitment to innovation, new treatments and learning from past experiences. A facility that can demonstrate progress and adapt to new evidence is likely more invested in providing the best possible care.
4. Can I speak with people you have treated?
   • Why it matters: Talking to former patients can offer valuable insights into their experiences with the facility, the staff and the overall treatment process. While privacy laws might restrict direct contact, high-volume centers often have support groups, testimonials or patient advocacy resources that can connect you with others who have been through similar treatments. This can provide reassurance and practical advice from people who have faced similar challenges.

By asking these questions, you are taking proactive steps to ensure that you receive care from a facility that not only has experience but also demonstrates a commitment to improving patient outcomes. Choosing the right place for your cancer treatment is a critical decision. High-volume centers often offer specialized expertise, better outcomes and more comprehensive support, making them a valuable option to consider for your care.

For more tips when you are researching your cancer treatment, read our prostate cancer guide. It offers 10 important questions to ask your radiation oncologist about radiation therapy for prostate cancer. 

Remember, whatever cancer treatment facility you choose you should feel welcome, comfortable and able to ask for guidance and help along your treatment path. A high-volume cancer treatment center should have resources available to you to assist you with finding housing, making healthy lifestyle choices, support groups for you and your loved ones, plus continued care through survivorship.