By the end of 2007, lung cancer will account for about 15% of all cancer diagnoses and for 29% of all cancer deaths. It is the second most diagnosed cancer in both men (after prostate) and women (after breast). While it strikes men more than women, the rate for women being diagnosed is slowly catching up to men. Cigarette smoking is the main cause, but asbestos exposure, radon and other environmental factors are shown to be contributing factors. Lung cancer has a poor prognosis and long term survival rate. Selecting the right doctor is essential in getting the best care and working towards the best possible recovery and long-term health plan for your future. But, once you've been given this diagnosis, selecting your oncologist, or cancer doctor, can be a daunting task. There are a lot of factors to take into account.

WHERE DO I START?
Your primary care doctor has diagnosed you with a life-threatening illness, and now you need to select a highly specialized doctor, an oncologist, and likely an oncologist who specializes in lung cancer to help develop a treatment plan for your care. You need to start at the beginning, that's with your own doctor. The medical community, while seemingly large and daunting is not as large as it looks. Doctors know one another and your primary care doctor will know someone to recommend and refer you to him or her. Speak to this person. They will likely have further referrals for you for more specialists. Your oncologist will likely have referrals for more specialists, like surgeons that will be helpful to you. Take the advice of the doctors that you trust. If you have a family member or friend who you trust, ask their advice as well. Now is the time to interview and meet with many different doctors.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?
Crack a few books, log onto your computer and maybe turn on the television to those science channels if you've got them. You need to understand everything possible about your diagnosis. Ask your doctor questions. Choosing the right doctor or specialist has a lot to do with truly knowing and understanding your own diagnosis. You won't be able to make a good selection if you don't really understand what you need. It would be like bringing a knife to a gunfight. Plus, by learning standard treatment options, you will be able to ask questions and have informed conversations with your doctor.

ARE YOU SURE?
Get a second opinion. Cancer is a complex condition that has multiple treatment options and it is common

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