Getting an endometrial cancer diagnosis can feel scary and confusing for you and your loved ones. You may feel at a loss for what to do next. One important step is finding the right doctor to help treat your cancer and provide the support you need. This can help you take an active role in your care and feel more confident about what’s ahead.

Endometrial cancer is the most common type of gynecologic cancer in the U.S. If it’s caught early and hasn’t spread outside the uterus (localized endometrial cancer), it has a 96 percent survival rate at five years. However, your outcome can depend on how far your cancer has spread. That’s why finding the right healthcare provider is so important.

Here are some tips to keep in mind as you search for a specialist to guide you through endometrial cancer treatment.

Seek a Board-Certified Gynecologic Oncologist

Finding the right doctor to treat endometrial cancer may seem daunting. But choosing the right provider can make a big difference. Gynecologists specialize in treating issues of the female reproductive system, but many are not experts in managing cancer. For the best care, look for a gynecologic oncologist — a doctor who specializes in female reproductive cancers.

If you’re not sure where to start, ask your primary care doctor for a referral. You can also use online resources such as those offered by the American Cancer Society to find board-certified specialists. A good fit will be a doctor who has experience treating endometrial cancer, listens to your concerns, and communicates well with you.

It may be necessary to see more than one specialist if your endometrial cancer treatment plan involves more than one type of therapy. Treatment options will depend upon your type and stage of endometrial cancer. Sometimes, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) is needed. An MDT is a group of professionals who work together to plan the best treatment. In addition to a gynecologic oncologist, your cancer care team may include a radiation oncologist (for radiation therapy) and a medical oncologist (for chemotherapy).

Consider Multidisciplinary Cancer Centers

Major cancer centers often offer the best treatment for endometrial cancer. Doctors at cancer centers deal with a high volume of cases, so they have more expertise with specific cancers. The centers are also home to multidisciplinary care teams. At these facilities, different gynecologic oncology providers can easily work together with other specialists to coordinate your care.

Cancer centers may also allow you to access new treatments and clinical trials. This can be helpful, especially for those with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. Some of the newest medications for these types of cancer were first available to clinical trial participants.

You can talk with your care team about clinical trials that might be a good fit for you. The National Cancer Institute’s clinical trial search tool can help you find ways to be a part of cancer research.

Evaluate Experience

Not all oncology providers specialize in treating endometrial cancer. When talking to a doctor, it’s important to ask about or research their skills and experience with your type of uterine cancer. Picking the right specialist can make a big difference in your treatment. Preparing for your appointment will help you feel more assured as you gather the information you need.

Consider what questions would help you learn more about your doctor’s experience with endometrial cancer. You can ask how many patients they’ve treated or if they’ve worked with your specific type. Other questions might include whether the cancer has spread from your uterus or if you’ll be able to have children after treatment. Once you feel confident about your doctor’s qualifications, you can ask what treatment plan they recommend.

Your doctor’s answers can help you understand their experience. If they explain different treatments clearly, that can help you decide if you trust them with your care.

Get a Second Opinion

Being diagnosed with endometrial cancer can leave you unsure about what to do next. Getting a second opinion is one of the most helpful next steps you can take. Different doctors may recommend different treatment plans based on their background and approach.

It’s common to seek out a second opinion with a cancer diagnosis. There are many reasons why you might want a second opinion. Another doctor can help to confirm your initial diagnosis, provide you with different treatment options, or have more expertise in treating your type of cancer. You may even want to reach out to more than two specialists.

Treatment recommendations can vary a lot, so it’s important to feel confident about your treatment options. If you feel like a doctor isn’t a good fit for you, or you might have better treatment options elsewhere, that’s OK. Keep looking for a specialist until you find a doctor and a treatment plan you feel comfortable with.

Check In With Your Insurance Company

It’s important to understand the specifics of your health insurance coverage before you start seeing a new doctor. In particular, you’ll want to find out ahead of time if the specialist you want to see is in your insurance network. An out-of-network healthcare provider can become expensive quickly. Keep in mind that you’ll likely need to schedule follow-up visits with your doctor in addition to treatment appointments.

You’ll also want to check your insurance coverage for second opinions. Some plans may require second opinions for cancer diagnoses or only cover it if requested. Coverage often depends on whether the doctor is in your network.

Because insurance policies vary widely, it’s important to know exactly what your plan covers before making any appointments.

If you want to know more about the details of your plan, contact your insurance company. The American Cancer Society has many resources to help you understand cancer treatment costs and work with your insurance during treatment.

The Bottom Line

Finding the right doctor for endometrial cancer is a key step in your care. Start by looking for a board-certified gynecologic oncologist. Also, consider getting a second opinion. Major cancer centers can provide access to new treatments and helpful support services to make your care more manageable. Finally, check your health insurance plan to avoid unexpected costs. With the right care team and information, you can feel more confident about your treatment decisions.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyEndometrialCancerTeam is the social network for people with endometrial cancer and their loved ones. On MyEndometrialCancerTeam, members come together to gain a new understanding of endometrial cancer and share their stories with others who understand life with the condition.

Are you living with endometrial cancer? Do you have any tips for finding a good specialist? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.