Frequently Asked Questions

I was recently diagnosed with cancer and would like to receive care at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. What is the first step?

Simply call 844-CANCERNJ (844-226-2376). One of our access navigators will ask questions about you and your cancer diagnosis, answer your questions about our center, and schedule your first appointment. 

What does Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey provide that I might not find elsewhere?

  • Reassurance of our commitment to excellence and compassionate cancer care. As New Jersey’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we are at the forefront of cancer research and innovative cancer treatments. 

  • State-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment. We provide the most advanced, groundbreaking cancer care and treatments, including new therapies that may not be available in your community.  

  • A comprehensive approach to care. Cancer care at Rutgers Cancer Institute is designed to put the patient at the center of care. This is a unique approach that brings multiple clinicians who specialize in every aspect of your cancer together in one location so that you can receive all of your cancer care services without having to make multiple time-consuming appointments. 

What do I need to bring for my first appointment?

Once your appointment has been confirmed, begin gathering the following items you will need to bring to your first visit: 

  • Pathology slides and reports 
  • Imaging films or CDs 
  • Insurance referral forms 
  • Health history 
  • Notice of our privacy practices
  • Medication list 
  • Self-referral form for services provided by the American Cancer Society 
  • Government-issued photo ID (valid driver’s license, U.S. Passport, etc.) 
     

For more information to prepare you for your first appointment, visit our New Patient Information page and download our New Patient Packet. 

Who will be included on my cancer care team?

A multidisciplinary team of health care professionals is assigned to every patient at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Treatment is led by one or more physicians, such as a medical, radiation, or surgical oncologist. Our cancer care teams also include nurse practitioners, nurse navigators, social workers, and other health professionals who work together to provide you with coordinated and compassionate cancer care that is specific to your needs. 

What type of treatments do you offer?

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey offers a wide range of state-of-the-art treatment options in the form of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and a combination of these and other specialized therapies and techniques. Our patients have access to novel treatments, often before they are available elsewhere. 

Does Rutgers Cancer Institute have any clinical trials available for my type of cancer?

Our clinical trials are one reason that Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey is able to offer our patients access to the latest cancer treatments. Each clinical trial has specific criteria for participation based on cancer type, stage, and other factors. The  physician leading your cancer care team will discuss clinical trials that are appropriate for your diagnosis and condition with you and help you decide whether to participate.

Why do cancer patients choose to participate in clinical trials?

Cancer clinical trials focus on finding new ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer, and new ways to improve the quality of life for people who have cancer. Without clinical trials, there would be no new treatments for cancer. New cancer therapies must undergo rigorous testing to demonstrate that they are safe and more effective than existing treatments. Although there is no guarantee that an investigational treatment will cure their cancer or extend their life, all patients who volunteer to participate in clinical trials make an invaluable contribution to research. Many cancer patients who volunteer for clinical trials do so to help their children, grandchildren, and other people who may be diagnosed with cancer in the future. 


Learn more about clinical trials