Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center is a major hospital-based cancer program in Ohio
Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center is located in Cleveland, Ohio, and operates as part of Cleveland Clinic, one of the largest health systems in the United States. The center treats patients with many types of cancer and offers surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. It is not a specialty cancer hospital — it is an oncology program within a large medical center that also handles heart disease, orthopedics, and other conditions.
If you are considering treatment there, you will work with oncologists (cancer doctors) who are employed by Cleveland Clinic. The center has multiple locations across the Cleveland area and also serves patients who travel from other states. Understanding how the center is organized, what services it offers, and how to contact it can help you decide whether it fits your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center is a hospital-based program in Cleveland, Ohio, offering surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and clinical trials for many cancer types.
- The center is part of Cleveland Clinic's larger health system and employs its own oncologists rather than operating as an independent specialty facility.
- You can request a second opinion or schedule an initial consultation by contacting the center directly or asking your current doctor for a referral.
- Treatment costs depend on your insurance, and Cleveland Clinic has financial counselors who can discuss payment options and out-of-pocket costs before treatment starts.
- The center participates in clinical trials, which may offer access to newer treatments but require meeting specific study requirements.
Types of cancer treated at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center
Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center treats solid tumors and blood cancers. Common types include breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, head and neck cancers, lymphoma, and leukemia. The center also treats less common cancers, though the depth of specialization varies by cancer type.
Each cancer type typically has a dedicated team of oncologists, surgeons, and specialists. For example, breast cancer patients may see a medical oncologist, a breast surgeon, and a radiation oncologist, all coordinated through the center. This team-based approach means your care plan is reviewed by multiple doctors rather than managed by one physician alone.
Treatment options available
Surgery is performed by surgical oncologists who specialize in removing tumors. Cleveland Clinic has operating rooms equipped for minimally invasive techniques when appropriate, which can mean shorter recovery times than open surgery.
Chemotherapy is given in outpatient infusion centers where you receive drugs intravenously or by mouth. Treatment schedules vary widely depending on the cancer type and the specific drugs used — some patients come weekly, others monthly, and treatment may last weeks to months.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target tumors. Cleveland Clinic has linear accelerators (radiation machines) at multiple locations. A course of radiation typically involves daily or several-times-weekly appointments over weeks, though some treatments are completed in fewer sessions.
Immunotherapy uses drugs that help your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. These drugs are often given intravenously and may be combined with chemotherapy or used alone, depending on the cancer type and stage.
Clinical trials are research studies testing new drugs, combinations, or approaches. Cleveland Clinic enrolls patients in trials for many cancer types. Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time. Trials may offer access to newer treatments not yet widely available, but they also come with unknown risks and require frequent monitoring.
How to schedule a consultation or second opinion
To schedule an initial consultation, you can call Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center directly or ask your current doctor to send your medical records and request a referral. If you already have a cancer diagnosis and want a second opinion, bring your pathology report (the lab analysis of your biopsy or surgery specimen), imaging scans (CT, MRI, PET), and any treatment recommendations from your current doctor.
Cleveland Clinic accepts patients from out of state and can often schedule consultations within one to two weeks, though wait times vary by specialty and season. Some consultations can be done by video if you cannot travel to Cleveland. During your first visit, you will meet with an oncologist who will review your case, order any additional tests if needed, and discuss treatment options.
Insurance, costs, and financial counseling
Cleveland Clinic accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Your out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific plan — your deductible, copays, and coinsurance. Cancer treatment is expensive, and costs can add up quickly if you need surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Before treatment starts, ask to speak with a financial counselor. Cleveland Clinic has staff who can tell you what your insurance will cover, what you will owe, and whether payment plans or financial information programs are available. Some patients also may have access to for nonprofit grants or pharmaceutical company patient information programs that help cover drug costs.
If you do not have insurance, Cleveland Clinic has a financial information program for uninsured and underinsured patients. You will need to provide income information and may be asked to complete a financial form. The amount of information varies based on your household income and expenses.
What to expect during your first appointment
Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and all medical records related to your cancer — pathology reports, imaging results, and any previous treatment summaries. Arrive early to allow time for check-in and paperwork.
Your first appointment typically lasts one to two hours. You will have vital signs taken, meet with a nurse or physician assistant who takes a detailed history, and then see the oncologist. The oncologist will examine you, review your records, and may order additional tests such as blood work or imaging if your records are incomplete.
At the end of the visit, the doctor will discuss what they found, explain your diagnosis and stage (if not already known), and outline treatment options. You will receive written summaries of the visit and recommendations. If you need time to think or want another opinion, you can take the recommendations home and call back with questions.
Clinical trials at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center
Cleveland Clinic enrolls patients in clinical trials for many cancer types at various stages of research. Trials test new drugs, new combinations of existing drugs, new surgical techniques, or new radiation schedules. Some trials compare a new treatment to the standard treatment to see if the new approach works better.
Participation is entirely voluntary. You can ask about trials during your consultation, and the doctor will tell you which ones you might be may be able to access for based on your cancer type, stage, and overall health. Before enrolling, you will receive an informed consent document that explains the trial, what you will be asked to do, what risks exist, and what benefits might result. You have the right to ask questions and to decline participation without affecting your regular care.
Trials often require more frequent appointments and more testing than standard treatment, but they may offer access to drugs not yet available outside the study. Some trials cover the cost of the experimental drug, though you may still owe copays or coinsurance for visits and standard care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral from my doctor to see someone at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center?
No referral is required, though having one can speed up the process. You can call the center directly to schedule a consultation. If you have a referral, your current doctor can send your records electronically, which saves time.
Can I get a second opinion without committing to treatment there?
Yes. A second opinion is a one-time consultation where an oncologist reviews your case and gives you their thoughts on diagnosis and treatment options. You are not obligated to pursue treatment at Cleveland Clinic if you choose to go elsewhere.
How long does cancer treatment usually take?
Treatment length varies widely by cancer type and stage. Some patients complete treatment in weeks; others need months or longer. Your oncologist will give you an estimated timeline during your consultation based on your specific situation.
What if I live far from Cleveland?
Cleveland Clinic has satellite locations in other Ohio cities and neighboring states. Some consultations can be done by video. For ongoing treatment, you may be able to receive chemotherapy or radiation closer to home through a partnership arrangement, with your Cleveland Clinic oncologist overseeing your care plan.
Does Cleveland Clinic offer support services like counseling or support groups?
Yes. Most cancer centers, including Cleveland Clinic, offer social work services, mental health counseling, nutritional support, and patient support groups. Ask about these services during your first visit or call the center to learn what is available.