Finding the Best Cancer Doctors Even More Important with Projected Decrease in Oncologists

The nation may face a shortage of oncologists in the years ahead, but right now consumers can use America's Top Doctors for Cancer, a handy reference guide.

New York, NY (PRWeb) March 22, 2007 -- By the year 2020 a startling number of cancer patients will have difficulty finding an oncologist. The shortage of oncologists is expected to be anywhere from 2,550 to 4,080, according to a study released by the Journal of Oncology Practice.

Why is this happening?

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer is projected to likely increase due to the aging of the baby boomer population. The so-called "downside" of living longer is that we live long enough to develop certain cancers.

The age-related growth in cancer and cancer survivors - a reflection of detection advances and cancer treatments - demands more oncologists. But a growing number of oncologists are heading into retirement without enough new oncologists to fill the need.

"These predictions are alarming and worrisome," said healthcare expert, Dr. John J. Connolly, President and CEO of Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., and the former president of New York Medical College.

"It is important for those diagnosed with cancer to find an oncologist as quickly as possible. Our America's Top Doctors for Cancer guide is the type of resource people should be using. The quicker a person can find an outstanding doctor who is most appropriate to address their particular type of cancer the sooner they will be able to get the treatment they need," explained Dr. Connolly.

The guide is available here:
http://www.castleconnolly.com/books/book.cfm?bookID=ATDC2-dr

Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. is a healthcare information and research company noted for its print and online resources to help consumers identify top doctors across the U.S. Castle Connolly publishes America's Top Doctors for Cancer annually. Currently in its second edition, the book profiles more than 2,100 of the top cancer doctors who are among the leading clinicians for the diagnosis, treatment and management of cancer in adults and children across the United States. The guide gives descriptions of many of the nations leading cancer centers and also gives guidance on how to identify a "top doctor" for cancer.

The book can be found at all major book sellers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as online at Castle Connolly's website www.castleconnolly.com or via its toll-free #, 1-800-399-D*O*C*S (3627).

"Our guide directs people to the top doctors in America, all focused on, and expert in, cancer. Castle Connolly does all of the ground work so a person can simply pick up the book and find a top doctor in their area," said Dr. Connolly.

Under the direction of its physician-led research team, Castle Connolly surveys tens of thousands of physicians and hospital executives to identify, screen and select those physicians regarded by their peers as leaders. These top doctors are among the very best in their specialties and for specific diseases and techniques.    

Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. is America's trusted source for identifying top doctors. Founded in 1991 by John K. Castle (Chairman) and John J. Connolly, Ed.D. (President and CEO), who served as board chairman and president, respectively, of New York Medical College, its mission is to help consumers find the best healthcare. They achieve that mission through their consumer books such as America's Top Doctors ®, America's Top Doctors for Cancer and Top Doctors: New York Metro Area and their web site www.CastleConnolly.com and various consumer and business-oriented print and online partnerships.

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Press Contact: Terese L. Cecilia
Company Name: Castle Connolly
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 212-367-8400-35
Website: http://www.castleconnolly.com

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