New patients with cancer can now see a specialist as soon as the following day at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center in Boston. First time appointments can be scheduled with an oncologist immediately following a cancer diagnosis to provide rapid access to expert care and support at one of the world’s leading cancer centers.

“A cancer diagnosis creates tremendous anxiety and uncertainty for both patients and their families,” said Dr. Craig Bunnell, Chief Medical Officer at Dana-Farber. “Not everyone wants or needs to come as quickly as the next day, but for people who do, such quick access to the expertise, care and support they need is tremendously reassuring.”

Next day appointments at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center allow patients to meet with a specialist to begin the process of mapping out a personalized treatment plan as soon as possible. Patients will first speak with a patient care coordinator to set a time and date, and then an oncology nurse will follow up to help them to prepare for their initial visit.

At their first appointment, patients will meet with an oncologist who can explain the possible courses of treatment, answer their medical questions and recommend next steps. Patients and their families can also begin accessing a wide range of support services.

“Providing next day access immediately following a cancer diagnosis is part of our commitment to patient-centered care,” said Michael J. Zinner, chairman of the Department of Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH). “Patients can expect high quality, integrated care at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center, with our clinical teams working together to meet their individual needs in a timely way.”