NCCS believes that cancer patients should have access to:

• Care that adheres to evidence-based guidelines;
• Comprehensive cancer care that assures treatment of the symptoms and side effects of cancer and cancer treatment;
• Coordinated care with strong communication among all providers and the patient;
• A written care plan detailing all elements of cancer care;
• Care in a clinical trial, if it represents a potential treatment option;
• Shared decision-making, including honest discussion about prognosis, the intent of therapy and the patient’s values and preferences regarding care;
• Support for psychosocial needs;
• Palliative care throughout the course of treatment, from diagnosis through end of life;
• End-of-life care, including but not limited to hospice care;
• Post-treatment survivorship care, including a survivorship care plan with a treatment summary and personalized recommendations for monitoring and follow-up care; and
• Robust health information systems that support and improve all other aspects of quality cancer care.