15 Of The Best Cancer Hospitals for Seniors in the U.S
Choosing the right cancer hospitals for seniors can shape outcomes, comfort, and access to clinical trials. Rankings shift each year and not every facility offers the same geriatric-focused support. The good news: national reports and federal resources make comparison easier than ever. Before you schedule care, take a moment to learn what matters before you choose.
What makes a hospital “best” for older adults?
Independent lists—like U.S. News & World Report’s annual cancer rankings—compare hospitals on outcomes, safety, expert opinion, and transparency; seniors should also check for geriatric assessment programs recommended by ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology).
A quick word on designations and trials
NCI-Designated Cancer Centers (especially “Comprehensive” centers) signal deep research strength and access to studies; many top-ranked hospitals also carry this designation. For Medicare beneficiaries, routine costs in qualifying clinical trials are covered under National Coverage Determination 310.1 (and MA enrollees receive coverage through Original Medicare for these routine costs).
15 top U.S. hospitals for cancer care (2025–2026 U.S. News)
Below are 15 high-performing hospitals for cancer care based on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025–2026 specialty rankings. Use this as a starting point, then verify fit for your diagnosis, insurance, and travel needs.
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center — Houston, TX
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — New York, NY
Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center — Boston, MA
Mayo Clinic (Rochester) — Rochester, MN
Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, MA
Mount Sinai Hospital — New York, NY
UCSF Medical Center at UCSF Health — San Francisco, CA
Johns Hopkins Hospital — Baltimore, MD
Stanford Hospital (Stanford Health Care) — Stanford, CA
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center — Duarte, CA
Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania–Penn Presbyterian — Philadelphia, PA
University of Chicago Medical Center — Chicago, IL
UCLA Medical Center — Los Angeles, CA
Cleveland Clinic — Cleveland, OH
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital–Columbia and Cornell — New York, NY
How older adults can vet a cancer center (quick checklist)
Ask about geriatric assessment (GA): ASCO recommends GA to evaluate function, cognition, polypharmacy, nutrition, and social support for patients ≥65; programs that use GA can tailor safer, smarter treatment plans.
Confirm trial access & billing: Medicare covers routine costs in qualifying clinical trials; ask which trials are open for your cancer and how billing works with Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage.
Look for NCI designation: NCI Comprehensive centers often have broader research networks, subspecialists, and supportive services like symptom management and survivorship clinics.
Check senior support services: Inquire about fall-risk screening, caregiver resources, transportation or lodging programs, and palliative care availability.
Insurance & access notes for seniors
Networks vary—especially for Medicare Advantage—so even top hospitals may be “out-of-network.” Before appointments, call both the cancer center and your plan to clarify specialist access, co-pays, and whether your plan follows Medicare’s clinical-trial rules for routine costs.
Bottom line for older adults and caregivers
Start with nationally recognized centers, then prioritize geriatrics-informed care, your specific cancer subspecialty, and insurance logistics. Use the rankings as a map, NCI designation as a quality signal, and ASCO’s guidance to ask geriatric-focused questions at consults.
References:
- https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/oncology/the-top-50-cancer-hospitals-per-us-news/
- https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/cancer
- https://www.cancer.gov/research/infrastructure/cancer-centers
- https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?NCDId=1
- https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-422/subpart-C/section-422.109
- https://ascopost.com/issues/september-10-2023/asco-updates-guideline-on-assessment-management-of-vulnerabilities-in-older-patients-receiving-systemic-cancer-therapy/
- https://www.guidelinecentral.com/guideline/4801316/
- https://med.noridianmedicare.com/web/jea/topics/claim-submission/clinical-trials-coverage-and-billing-guide
- https://www.cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials/paying
