Best Hospitals for Cancer Treatment and How to Get There
Humanity has made great strides in treating and preventing various forms of cancer, inspiring hope for patients and families around the globe. Dedicated medical researchers and oncologists from top cancer research hospitals and the best cancer centers in the world change people’s lives daily with revolutionary medical interventions and protocols. Fortunately, traveling abroad for premium health care services is easier than ever, even for high-support-needs patients.
Why Travel to an International Cancer Research Hospital?
You deserve access to lifesaving medical care, regardless of your location. Leading oncologists are drawn to the best cancer hospitals for innovation opportunities, centralizing the best cancer treatment to a few excellent facilities worldwide. While the chances of one being on your doorstep are slim, traveling gives you access to the highest quality and most specialized care available to suit your unique medical needs.
What Are the Best Cancer Treatment Centers in the World?
While there are dozens of exceptional cancer research hospitals and clinics, six centers stand out as contenders for the best cancer centers in the world:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, United States
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) is a nonprofit hospital in Manhattan that has cared for cancer patients for over 135 years. This pioneering hospital has invented groundbreaking solutions, such as immunotherapy and targeted genetic diagnostics, and has outpatient locations across New Jersey, Long Island and Westchester County. MSKCC is renowned for its cutting-edge research, innovative clinical trials and world-class surgical techniques.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, United States
MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is consistently ranked as one of the top hospitals for cancer treatment in the United States. It diagnoses and addresses rare cancer types with innovative therapies, technologically advanced treatments and hundreds of industry-leading clinical trials. The center also offers comprehensive support and educational resources to address the emotional and physical challenges of cancer.
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada
The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto is a highly reputable institution in medical, surgical and radiation oncology. It embraces emerging technologies and international best practices to set an exceptionally high patient care standard. The facility is one of the world’s largest comprehensive cancer treatment centers, featuring advanced Magnetic Resonance-guided Radiation Therapy (MRgRT) capabilities and two Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion units.
Royal Marsden National Health Service Foundation Trust in London, United Kingdom
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in London, England, was the world’s first hospital dedicated exclusively to cancer diagnoses, education and treatment. The center remains a leading specialist cancer hospital and works closely with the Institute of Cancer Research to treat over 59,000 patients annually. Royal Marsden ranks among the top five cancer centers globally for its impact on cancer research.
The Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam was founded over 100 years ago and combines dedicated patient care with world-class cancer research and innovation. Today, the cancer institute is partnered with the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, creating a celebrated hub of research and treatment options for cancer patients worldwide. The institute focuses on fundamental research, immunotherapy, image-guided therapy, precision oncology and survivorship.
Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus in Villejuif, France
The Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus in Villejuif is Europe’s leading oncology hospital and the fourth-best cancer center in the world, according to Newsweek’s 2024 edition of the World’s Best Specialized Hospitals. Gustave Roussy offers comprehensive care for many cancers across all age groups, with particular expertise in diagnosing and treating rare and complex tumors. The facility focuses its research on personalized medicine, immunotherapy and DNA repair.
What Should Patients Consider When Traveling for Cancer Treatment?
People with varying stages of cancer often need enhanced administrative and medical support on domestic and international flights to keep them safe and comfortable. Before setting off, cover these essential bases:
- Expert in-flight care: The crew on board will depend on the level of care you need. Your doctor can determine which professionals and equipment you need access to during your flight. Examples include registered nurses, respiratory therapists or paramedics.
- Foreign language communication: Pick a multilingual medical transportation service to discuss treatment options, medication and logistics with international service providers.
- Medication and luggage: Ensure all essential medication is packed into your carry-on luggage in its original packaging and that is legal to bring into your destination country.
- Moral support: Consider bringing one or two loved ones on the flight with you for emotional support. This will ease any nerves and make you feel more secure.
- Insurance coverage: Work with an air ambulance service that accepts most major insurance providers and takes care of the admin so you can focus on healing.
How Can You Travel to the Top Cancer Hospitals in the World?
Receiving cancer treatment outside your state can be seamless and rewarding if you partner with the right medical transport team. Pick an accredited provider with bedside-to-bedside services to ensure you receive the best care possible. The best medical transport providers have a team of experts to handle all clinical and travel documentation, air and ground transportation and in-flight medical services.
Book a Reputable Medical Transport Service
Thoroughly vet your medical transport team before booking a flight. Look for extensive medical and flight experience, excellent safety and security, a premier aircraft fleet and positive patient testimonials. Ensure your chosen provider is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS).
Use an Air Ambulance Team to Get Cancer Treatment
An air ambulance is a specialized aircraft that transports patients to and from hospitals in emergency and non-emergency situations. As opposed to helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), used for shorter distances, fixed-wing ambulances are jet airplanes that can transport critical patients comfortably between states and even overseas. Fixed-wing air ambulances have essential medical tools and trained medical staff for optimal patient care.
Have a Medical Escort Accompany You
If you take an air ambulance, you’ll be accompanied by a medical escort team to tend to your medical needs and assist you should anything unexpected happen. If you’re well enough to take a commercial flight but still need attentive medical, mobility and safety support, you can hire a medical escort service to fly alongside you. Medical escorts provide cancer patients with peace of mind, expert health care and better accessibility.
Why Trust Us?
With over 30 years of experience in the field, REVA is the gold standard for exceptional-quality domestic and international medical transportation. Our premium air ambulance service employs only the best aviation specialists who have completed over 30,000 flights across 70 countries. We’ve partnered with Flight Safety International, the world leader in aviation training, for aircraft-specific training so our passengers can fly with peace of mind. Air Research Group United States (ARGUS) has also awarded REVA its highest possible safety rating.
REVA’s expert medical staff, including over 250 registered nurses, physicians and paramedics, have thousands of years of combined experience in providing individualized, dedicated patient care. Medical teams participate in weekly, quarterly and annual training programs that thoroughly and rigorously cover all aspects of patient care across all age groups. We’re a recognized air carrier for the U.S. Department of Defense and the European Aero-Medical Institute (EURAMI).
Request a Quote From REVA Air Ambulance and Medical Transport Today
Whether you’re looking to visit a top cancer research hospital a few states over or take an international trip for the best cancer treatment in the world, REVA will support your courageous journey from bedside to bedside. Our team will cover all the details, from insurance administration to expert in-flight care, while you rest easy. Take control of your cancer treatment and request a quote from REVA today for premium air ambulance and medical escort services.