FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions received by the Cancer Institute. Please feel free to let us know if we need to add other information.

• What can the Cancer Institute offer me that I might not find at other Knoxville hospitals?
• Can I come to the Cancer Institute for a second opinion?
• We have been told there is nothing else that can be done to treat my cancer. Can you help?
• A family member has been diagnosed with cancer, and I want them to be treated at UT Medical Center. How do I arrange that?
• What should I bring to my first appointment?
• Is it all right if I bring a family member or friend?
• How do I become a bone marrow donor?
• Is there someone that I can talk to that has had my type of cancer?
• How quickly should I be seen and treated?

Q. What can the Cancer Institute offer me that I might not find elsewhere?

A. The physicians at the Cancer Institute diagnose and treat more cancer patients in one year than other facilities in the region. Its cancer specialists are found nationwide and have trained at the most prestigious cancer centers in the country, including MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, Moffit Medical Center, Duke University Medical Center, Johns Hopkins and others. To cancer patients, this specialization and experience translates to unequaled medical expertise and excellent patient care. The benefits include:

• The most advanced methods of cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment. Since UT Medical Center Knoxville is a teaching hospital, its cancer specialists always stay abreast of the latest cancer techniques and cancer methods.
• Everything you need in one place for your cancer diagnosis, cancer treatment, cancer support, pain management, rehabilitation and assistance in returning to life after cancer.
• A patient-focused multidisciplinary approach, both during and after cancer treatment.
• Support for patients, friends and family, who are involved in the complex medical and emotional issues surrounding cancer and its treatment.

Q. Can I come to the Cancer Institute for a second opinion?

A. Yes. Specialists are available to review and discuss your particular case. All cancer cases are presented at one of the five multidisciplinary conferences where our oncology specialists meet to recommend the best plan of care. Also, staff has access to many physicians to assist in scheduling further studies and consultations for you. The Cancer Institute has established itself as a regional referral center for Knoxville and East Tennessee and continues to render numerous second opinions.

Q. We have been told there is nothing else that can be done to treat my cancer. Can you help?

A. Other possibilities may exist. You could qualify for a Cancer Institute’s National Cancer Institute or industry-sponsored clinical trial studies. Contact 865.305.9773 for more information.

Q. A family member has been diagnosed with cancer, and I want them to be treated at UT Medical Center Knoxville. How do I arrange that?

A. Please call 1.865.305.6055 or toll-free at 1.866.337.8824.

Q. What should I bring to my first appointment?

A. Bring all medical records, test results, X-ray and films pertaining to your disease. Also bring health insurance identification cards for each plan that covers you and proof of your address such as a driver’s license or telephone bill.

Q. Is it all right if I bring a family member or friend?

A. Absolutely. Caregivers at the Cancer Institute recognize the importance of having someone help you through this process and with the decisions you might need to make.

Q. How do I become a bone marrow donor?

A. Call the National Bone Marrow Registry at 800.654.1247 for information about bone marrow donor drives in your area. This eliminates having very expensive tests done locally. Most institutions accept the National Bone Marrow Registry results.

Q. Is there someone that I can talk to that has had my type of cancer?

A. Former patients are available to talk with you. The Cancer Institute social worker can help you locate these patients whether locally in East Tennessee or nationally.

Q. How quickly should I be seen and treated?

A. Patients with a diagnosis of cancer often experience a great deal of anxiety and feel an urgency to see the physician. While our physicians and staff work hard to treat patients as quickly as possible, we also encourage patients to take the time to absorb what the physician has discussed with them and explore the best cancer treatment options for them.