In a government-funded study by RTI International, personalized for-profit cancer treatment centers can offer more individualized attention compared to community hospitals or teaching institutes. Business Week features a story about Teena Patterson, who, in 2004, was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. She underwent chemotherapy but lost faith in her oncologist when he told her she asked too many questions. Her sister-in-law suggested Patterson look into Cancer Treatment Centers of America, CTCA, and she was immediately impressed with the center's message of holistic healing and personalized care. Patterson, 50, still has end-stage cancer, but the tumors appear to be in remission, and she feels good. She credits the CTCA staff. "Their way with people is wonderful," she says. "They really want you to succeed."

As a cancer survivor, I feel it is essential that you believe in your doctors, and that they believe in you. Look for compassion. Someone who has time to listen. Someone who has time to answer your questions. Listen to your intuition when you meet with them. If you do not believe in your doctors, keep looking until you find doctors you can believe in. This is your health and well-being at stake. Be your own advocate and know there are alternatives if you are not comfortable with the way you are currently being treated. For-profit hospitals may be one of the alternative choices that suits you best. I think one of the reasons these centers may be gaining in popularity is today's cancer patients are no longer passive patients but view the doctor-patient relationship as more of a partnership of care.