10 Highly Ranked Cancer Hospitals in the U.S.

Choosing where to receive cancer care can profoundly impact your outcomes.

That’s why many patients look to hospitals that are highly ranked by independent organizations and recognized for research, innovation, and exceptional patient outcomes.

What makes a cancer hospital “highly ranked”?

Independent evaluations, such as the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals for Cancer, consider factors like case volume, survival outcomes, patient experience, nurse staffing, advanced technologies, and expert opinion from board-certified oncologists. See the current methodology and listings at U.S. News Best Hospitals for Cancer.

Many of the nation’s leading centers also hold NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center status, contribute to evidence-based guidelines through the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and maintain Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation—signals of deep expertise, research strength, and coordinated multidisciplinary care.

For patients, this typically translates into access to subspecialized teams, robust clinical trial portfolios, leading-edge treatments (including cellular therapies and precision oncology), and comprehensive support services.

10 highly ranked cancer hospitals in the U.S.

The following hospitals are consistently recognized for excellence in cancer care by reputable sources such as U.S. News and the National Cancer Institute. Always confirm the latest rankings and programs to match your diagnosis and needs.

1) MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX)

Why it’s highly ranked: One of the world’s largest cancer centers with disease-specific teams, extensive clinical trials, and pioneering immunotherapy and surgical programs.
Research depth: Longstanding NCI-designated comprehensive center with major contributions in stem cell transplantation and targeted therapies.
How to get care: Request an appointment at MD Anderson.

2) Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY)

Why it’s highly ranked: Deep subspecialization across tumor types, high surgical volumes, and integrated research translating quickly to patient care.
What stands out: Leading programs in precision oncology, rare cancers, and pediatric oncology in collaboration with dedicated children’s services.
How to get care: Start with MSK appointments.

3) Mayo Clinic – Rochester (Rochester, MN)

Why it’s highly ranked: Team-based model with coordinated workups, strong outcomes, and supportive care integrated into every step.
What stands out: Access to proton therapy, complex surgical oncology, and excellent survivorship resources within a large multispecialty system.
How to get care: Request at Mayo Clinic appointments.

4) Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women’s (Boston, MA)

Why it’s highly ranked: Renowned for hematologic malignancies, breast and GI cancers, and groundbreaking clinical trials.
What stands out: Strong translational research pipeline and comprehensive supportive care including genetics, nutrition, and psycho-oncology.
How to get care: Begin at Dana-Farber appointments.

5) Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, OH)

Why it’s highly ranked: High volumes in complex surgeries, robust radiation oncology options (including proton therapy), and multidisciplinary clinics.
What stands out: Integrated care across specialties and strong outcomes data reporting across the health system.
How to get care: Book via Cleveland Clinic appointments.

6) Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center (Baltimore, MD)

Why it’s highly ranked: Leadership in pancreatic, lung, head & neck, and urologic cancers, plus seminal contributions to cancer genetics.
What stands out: Precision medicine programs, early-phase trials, and access to advanced surgical and radiation techniques.
How to get care: Explore Kimmel Cancer Center to request an appointment.

7) UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (Los Angeles, CA)

Why it’s highly ranked: Strong track record in solid tumor oncology, cellular therapies, and supportive care innovations.
What stands out: Access to clinical trials and seamless coordination through the UCLA Health system.
How to get care: Use UCLA Health appointments.

8) UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (San Francisco, CA)

Why it’s highly ranked: Pioneering precision oncology and immunotherapy programs with deep bench strength in GI, neuro-oncology, and thoracic cancers.
What stands out: NCI-designated comprehensive center with expansive clinical trials and supportive services.
How to get care: Start at UCSF Health appointments.

9) Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Seattle, WA)

Why it’s highly ranked: Internationally recognized for blood and marrow transplantation and cellular immunotherapies.
What stands out: Deep research collaborations with the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s, plus broad clinical trial access.
How to get care: See Become a Patient at Fred Hutch.

10) City of Hope (Duarte, CA)

Why it’s highly ranked: Expertise in hematologic malignancies, stem cell transplantation, and precision medicine.
What stands out: Comprehensive supportive services and an expanding network improving access to specialized care.
How to get care: Request at City of Hope.

How to get care at these hospitals

Self-referral or physician referral: Most centers allow self-referrals online or by phone. Your local oncologist can also refer you and help share records.
Prepare your records: Gather pathology reports, imaging, operative notes, and prior treatments. Many centers have upload portals and navigator teams to assist.
Ask about second opinions: Virtual or expedited second opinions are widely available, often within days. These are valuable before major surgery or systemic therapy.
Check insurance and financial counseling: Verify network status and request a financial counselor. Centers offer charity care, payment plans, and insurance navigation.
Explore clinical trials: Search open studies at your diagnosis stage on ClinicalTrials.gov and ask the center about trial eligibility.
Plan travel and lodging: Patient services teams can help with nearby housing; for rides, explore the American Cancer Society’s Road To Recovery program.

Why choosing a highly ranked center matters

Experience drives outcomes: Higher case volumes are associated with better survival and fewer complications for many cancers and complex surgeries.
Multidisciplinary expertise: Tumor boards and subspecialized teams align surgery, medical oncology, radiation, pathology, and genetics for your specific cancer.
Access to innovation: These centers lead clinical trials and bring new therapies—targeted agents, immunotherapies, cellular treatments—to patients sooner.
Whole-person care: Robust supportive services (nutrition, pain, rehab, fertility preservation, mental health) improve quality of life during and after treatment.

Bottom line: Highly ranked cancer hospitals combine volume, outcomes, research, and comprehensive support to deliver exceptional care. If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer—or are weighing a major treatment decision—consider seeking care or a second opinion at one of the centers above, and use the steps here to get started quickly.