Sanyukta SrivastavaIf you or your family need to be referred to an oncologist, we hope that this article can be of great help to you during this trying time.
We listed down the best oncologists in Edmonton for your reference. We also did comprehensive reviews of each one so you can identify which one is best suited for your needs.
How much does cancer treatment cost in Edmonton?
There is no set price for cancer treatment in Edmonton. To give you an estimate, total costs might range from $3000 to $75,950 depending on what phase of treatment it is.
There are so many things to consider regarding the total cost. For example, the physician’s professional fee will depend on a lot of factors such as the hospital or clinic, the level of experience of the physician, the specializations the doctor has, and the cancer site, among other things.
It will also be helpful to note that physicians in Canada can be paid in various ways. It can be a fee-for-service basis, a salary, capitation, alternate funding arrangements, or a combination of any of these.
So that also plays a part in how much the overall cost will be. There is also the possibility that your consultations can be covered by your health benefit plan.
Make sure to check this with your medical provider prior to the consultation.
Other related costs that you have to look into may be the following:
- Chemotherapy costs
- Diagnostic tests costs
- Out-patient prescription drugs
- Hospital confinement
- Home care
As a general note, we noticed that costs are higher among cancers with poor survival rates.
How We Picked The Best Oncologists in Edmonton
We looked into the following criteria:
1. Dr. Brock Debenham – Canadian Cancer Care
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://www.canadiancancercare.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 6925 Gateway Blvd NW 2nd Flr, Edmonton, AB T6H 2J1, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 780-306-5656 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday-Sunday (9AM-5PM) |
| 1. ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| 1.1 Responsiveness | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| 1.2 Operating Hours | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| 2. EXPERTISE | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| 2.1 Efficiency | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| 2.2 Years of experience | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| 3. PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| 4. PATIENT SATISFACTION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Dr. Brock Debenham is a well-respected radiation oncologist and professor. He has an impressive background, completing his residency training at the University of Alberta and his fellowship at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York.
He has extensive years of experience as an oncologist and has won numerous awards in the industry, making him well-known as a physician and researcher.
Aside from his distinctions in the field, he also has a great bedside manner. It’s very easy to be comfortable around him.
He really explains everything well and answers all your questions patiently. He doesn’t rush through the consultation and really cares for his patients, which we really like.
We’re also pleased with Canadian Cancer Care as a clinic. It’s a multidisciplinary facility specializing in diagnosing cancer patients and follow-up care for cancer survivors.
We like that they’re efficient and that the staff is always warm and ready to help. They have a wide range of medical services and a great roster of doctors so it’s very convenient.
Booking an appointment can be done online. We do think, however, that their website can be greatly improved in terms of how easy it is to use it.
They also answer inquiries and calls fast. Do know that Dr. Debenham is highly sought-after so it might be difficult to set an appointment with him.
So that’s something to consider.
Pros
- Impressive background
- Recipient multiple awards
- Great bedside manner
- Clinic is a multidisciplinary facility (great one-stop shop)
- Online booking available
Cons
- Might be hard to book an appointment right away
- Website can be quite hard to navigate
Patient Reviews
By far the best doctor in oncology I have ever experienced
Dr. Debenham is by far the best doctor in oncology I have ever experienced. He was very understanding, not dismissive, and answered all my questions very “ matter of factly” without making me feel frustrated when I left. I actually found for the first time, a doctor who is willing to work with me and all my concerns rather than making me feel my questions were not warranted. He understood my anxiousness and did a great job reassuring me. I’m so glad I met this wonderful and educated professional; I feel NOW I can move on with recovery knowing he has my best interest at heart. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Knowledgeable, caring, extremely efficient, and downright honest
Dr. Debenham is one of a kind. He`s knowledgeable, caring, extremely efficient and downright honest. He`s been treating my husband for a few years now. We honestly look forward to our appointments! He never keeps you waiting, and wanting for answers. He`s a straight-shooter with the kindest of hearts. And he has a wicked sense of humour. We can`t recommend Dr. Debenham more highly!
2. Dr. Diane Severin – Cross Cancer Institute
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/facility.aspx?id=6122 |
| ADDRESS | 11560 University Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 780-432-8771 (Switchboard) |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday-Friday (9AM-5PM) |
| 1. ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| 1.1 Responsiveness | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| 1.2 Operating Hours | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| 2. EXPERTISE | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| 2.1 Efficiency | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| 2.2 Years of experience | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| 3. PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| 4. PATIENT SATISFACTION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Dr. Diane Severin has made a name for herself as an oncologist and hematologist in Edmonton. In fact, she’s one of the most highly rated in the city because of her depth of knowledge and experience.
She specializes in examining and diagnosing diseases and disorders of the blood, bone marrow, and also immune system. From our experience, she handles consultations very well and determines the best necessary course of treatment available for you.
What we like most about her is that besides being very kind, she’s also very realistic and honest. She is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to and she explains everything really well.
Although we like Cross Cancer Institute because of the friendly staff, we do wish they had a better website where all information can be accessed. We found it hard to book an appointment at first but found that they respond faster when you call them.
Cross Cancer Institute is actually known as a comprehensive cancer center for northern Alberta and is one of the leading centers in province-wide prevention, treatment, and research programs. They provide both in-patient and out-patient services for patients with cancer.
Since they specialize in research, their services and knowledge are current and modern. We really like the facility because of its efficient and consistent service.
Pros
- Oncologist/hematologist in one
- Specializes in diseases of the blood, immune system, and bone marrow
- Great bedside manner
- Clinic has friendly staff
- Clinic is leading center for the province-wide prevention, treatment, and research
- Equipment is modern
Cons
- No reliable website
- No online booking option
Patient Reviews
Very caring and capable doctor
She did radiation treatment for my sister. Dr. came to visit my sister one day on her way home in late afternoon and my sister asked few questions. Dr. Severin left the room after discussion. My sister very surprised to see Dr. Severin returning after 15 minutes with answers to one of her questions not responded earlier. Dr. Severin is a very caring and capable doctor.
Dr. Severin is a gem
Dr. Diane Severin is gentle and compassionate. She goes far out of her way to make her cancer patient’s life more bearable. She will involve others when further expertise is needed. Dr. Severin is a gem and Albertans are very fortunate to have her as an oncologist in this province.
3. Dr. Nawaid Usmani – Cross Cancer Institute
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/facility.aspx?id=6122 |
| ADDRESS | 11560 University Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 780-432-8771 (Switchboard); Nawaid.Usmani@albertahealthservices |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday-Friday (9AM-5PM) |
| 1. ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| 1.1 Responsiveness | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| 1.2 Operating Hours | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| 2. EXPERTISE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| 2.1 Efficiency | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| 2.2 Years of experience | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| 3. PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| 4. PATIENT SATISFACTION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Dr. Usmani is a radiation oncologist and also an associate professor from the Department of Oncology of the University of Alberta. He is affiliated with the Cross Cancer Institute.
We are very impressed by Dr. Usmani’s level of experience and background. He’s a physician, professor, and researcher all in one.
His main focus is prostate brachytherapy, which is a popular treatment option for prostate cancer. His research even focuses on characterizing techniques for this treatment and improving it further.
He’s very popular as an oncologist not just because of his stellar background, but also because of his compassionate nature. He also has impeccable attention to detail as seen in his consultations.
We also like how he breaks down everything for patients to understand. He reassures you when you tell him your concerns.
He’s straightforward but compassionate, which we like.
Since he’s also from Cross Cancer Institute, we still think that their facility can develop a better website where you can go through their services. They barely have a website, making it difficult to check things out.
There’s no option for an online booking, so calling them is still best. Despite this, we really like Cross Cancer Institute because of their efficient service.
Pros
- Main focus is prostate brachytherapy
- Compassionate nature
- Research-based treatment plan
- Impressive background
Cons
- Clinic doesn’t have a reliable website
- Booking can be quite hard
Patient Reviews
Very detailed and caring
Dr. Usmani is an excellent doctor. He is very detailed and caring, and certainly is willing to spend the time so you fully understand the treatment and your health status.
Gives you all the information you need to make your decisions
He has been terrific to deal with. Dr. Usmani gives you all the information you need to make your decisions. His treatment certainly worked for me.
4. Dr. Keith Tankel
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://www.ualberta.ca/medicine/about/people/details.html?n=keith-tankel |
| ADDRESS | 2J2.00 Walter C. MacKenzie Health Sciences Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2R7 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (780) 432-8755 |
| 1. ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| 1.1 Responsiveness | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| 1.2 Operating Hours | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| 2. EXPERTISE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| 2.1 Efficiency | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| 2.2 Years of experience | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| 3. PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| 4. PATIENT SATISFACTION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
We like how dynamic Dr. Tankel’s practice is. He has an impressive background, being a clinical radiation oncologist.
He provides top-notch clinical services but also teaches and does research. He specializes in the oncological management of patients with tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and breast cancer.
We like how he conducts his consultations. He really provides a multidisciplinary environment and endeavors to improve patients’ quality of life and survival rate.
Right now, he’s the Chair of the CCI, Gastrointestinal Tumor Group. Aside from his own practice, he’s a clinical professor of oncology so he supervises residents, trainees, and medical students.
He is also actively involved in entering patients into international and local clinical trials like the Radiation Therapy and Oncology Group (RTOG) and the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC).
Aside from this long list of accomplishments, he is also well-loved by patients because of his gentle manner. He is informative, kind, patient, and very empathetic.
Patients feel comfortable around him easily. He explains the different treatment plans available for the patient so they can make informed decisions.
He is quick to respond to patient concerns, based on our experience. He is very hands-on and goes over and beyond the call of duty to ensure patients’ best interests.
One concern we have is that his practice doesn’t have a reliable website so there’s no online booking.
Pros
- Multidisciplinary approach
- Specializes in the oncological management of patients with tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and breast cancer
- Chair of the CCI, Gastrointestinal Tumor Group
- Actively involved in entering patients into international and local clinical trials
- Gentle manner
Cons
- Doesn’t have own website
- No option for online booking
Patient Reviews
Quick to respond to inquiries and patient concerns
Excellent Doctor who really goes the extra distance to ensure patients receive the appropriate care. Quick to respond to inquiries and patient concerns.
Explained everything very well and addressed all concerns I had
I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Tankel as my radiation oncologist when undergoing radiation for breast cancer recently. He was a very respectful and knowledgeable doctor. He explained everything very well and addressed all concerns I had.
5. Dr. Andrew Scarfe – Cross Cancer Institute
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/facility.aspx?id=6122 |
| ADDRESS | 11560 University Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 780-432-8771 (Switchboard) |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday-Friday (9AM-5PM) |
| 1. ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| 1.1 Responsiveness | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| 1.2 Operating Hours | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| 2. EXPERTISE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| 2.1 Efficiency | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| 2.2 Years of experience | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| 3. PROFESSIONALISM | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| 4. PATIENT SATISFACTION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Dr. Scarfe is a dedicated hematologist and oncologist. He’s a great option if you’re dealing with diseases and disorders of the immune system, blood, or even bone marrow.
He’s very well-loved as a physician and is a CAME Certificate of Merit Award winner from the University of Alberta last 2020. Aside from his wide depth of knowledge and impressive contributions to the field, Dr. Scarfe is gentle, informative, and very courteous as a doctor.
We love that he really takes his time during appointments. He’s fully present and gives you all the resources and information you need to make an informed decision about treatment.
It’s easy to feel comfortable around him because of his gentle nature. He’s very knowledgeable as well and takes the time to answer questions.
He has great attention to detail and monitors patients really well. We find him pleasant, direct, and compassionate.
One thing we found remarkable about him is that he calls patients himself. He doesn’t just delegate it to a secretary, making the experience very personal.
We do wish his website is more updated and that a more intuitive online booking platform is available.
Pros
- Hematologist and oncologist in one
- Award-winning
- Doesn’t rush appointments
- Personal approach with patients
Cons
- Online booking not available
- Website is outdated
Patient Reviews
Doesn’t rush through the appointment
Presently going through treatment and so blessed to have Dr. Scarfe as my doctor. He is so kind and understanding and doesn’t rush through the appointment. Answers all my questions to help me make these hard decisions. Thank you Dr for being there and helping with this battle.
We were in the best hands
We were in the best hands. He answered all my husband’s concerns and always returned calls. Thank you. -Bill
