Top-rated cancer centers

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be devastating. So many questions come to mind, not the least of which is a patient's chances of survival. That is why cancer patients are quite concerned about the level of care they receive. A hospital or treatment center highly rated for cancer care and dedicated doctors can make things easier for recently diagnosed patients.

Each year, U.S. News and World Report investigates cancer facilities across the United States and shares their findings based on reputation, staff and number of fatalities.

* M.D. Anderson Cancer Center: This facility, located in Houston, TX, is rated one of the best cancer hospitals in the country for all patients, but it is also highly prized for its pediatric center.

* Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Based in New York City, this center routinely takes on tough cases of cancer. It also houses the top pediatric cancer program in the country.

* Johns Hopkins Hospital: Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins Hospital is well known as a top provider of cancer care, and it also ranks highly in many other medical specialties for adults.

* The Mayo Clinic: This facility is prized as one of the top teaching hospitals in the world. Located in Rochester, MN, the Mayo Clinic is also a premier hospital for receiving top cancer care.

* Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: This is an affiliate of Harvard Medical School and is located in Boston, MA.

* University of Washington Medical Center: The vast majority of surveyed patients who have received treatment at this facility have said they would recommend the hospital.

* Massachusetts General Hospital: Residents of Boston have not one but two premier cancer facilities at their disposal. Alongside Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital is also a top-ranked facility.

* University of California, San Francisco Medical Center: This hospital received high marks in patient satisfaction and nursing care.

Canadians seeking cancer care have a few highly rated facilities to choose among as well.

* Princess Margaret Cancer Centre: Working in conjunction with its research arm, The Ontario Cancer Institute, PMCC is the first dedicated cancer hospital that employs state-of-the-art tools and research. It is one of the largest cancer centers in the world. The facility is also a part of the Union for International Cancer Control, a globally renowned cancer-fighting organization.

* The Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre: This facility collaborated with GE Healthcare Technologies to offer advanced capabilities in diagnosing and treating different forms of cancer.

Survival rate and cancer patient satisfaction may depend on the type of facility individuals choose for treatment. There are many well-known and top-rated facilities across North America.