Why Choose Scripps Cancer Center

You’re at the center of care

Two doctors share a successful moment of cancer treatment with a patient, representing expert care at Scripps Cancer Center.

You’re at the center of care

When you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer, life can change in an instant. You need the best possible care, delivered by recognized cancer specialists who offer the most effective treatments with the latest technology. And, you want to be treated like a person — not a number.


At Scripps Cancer Center, you’re at the center of a team of specialists whose common goal is to help you live cancer-free. Our patient-centered approach to care includes experts in diagnosing, staging and treating cancer. We keep you and your loved ones informed and involved every step of the way, from helping you understand your diagnosis to making educated decisions about your treatment. Together, we can find the best, most effective options for you. 


A key member of your Scripps cancer team is a specially trained nurse navigator, who provides compassionate support and will keep you informed and help answer your questions so you can feel confident and in control of your care.


We’re committed to doing all we can to help you through your journey, with comprehensive support services, including genetic counseling, nutrition services, palliative care, integrative medicine, social worker assistance, and referrals to numerous community resources dedicated to making your journey easier. Take a look at our cancer patient stories for more information — and inspiration — from cancer survivors who received their care from Scripps.

Nationally recognized cancer care in San Diego 

Scripps is consistently recognized for our expert cancer specialists, high quality and compassionate care:


  • Newsweek named Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and Scripps Green Hospital to their annual list of America's Best Cancer Hospitals for 2023.
  • Scripps Health was named among the top 5 medium-sized US health systems in the nation by Merative, formerly IBM Watson Health, for the sixth time. Scripps is the only health provider in San Diego County to be included among a broader list covering the top 15 large, medium and small systems across the United States.
  • Scripps Health’s hospitals, clinics, outpatient imaging centers and supporting facilities have several prestigious accreditations, including the American College of Radiology distinction.
  • Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Scripps Green Hospital and Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas earned five-star ratings from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in its Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings for 2023.

The most advanced cancer treatment options 

Our comprehensive approach combines our multidisciplinary teams with the top tools to diagnose and treat cancer — including many leading-edge therapies — to focus on your individual needs. 


  • Precise surgical capabilities at our five hospitals throughout San Diego, including minimally invasive laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures that can mean fewer incisions and faster recovery. 
  • Specialists in interventional oncology who use the most advanced image-guided technology to detect and treat tumors. 
  • Chemotherapy and drug infusion centers that provide the latest therapies to reduce side effects, such as nausea and hair loss, in comfortable, soothing environments. 
  • A full range of advanced internal and external radiation therapy methods to target tumors while protecting surrounding healthy tissues. 
  • Three dedicated breast care centers providing breast cancer diagnosis, prevention and support services.
  • Integrative therapies especially for cancer patients, including yoga and meditation, at Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine

Collaborative, integrated cancer care 

Scripps Cancer Center takes a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach personalized to you. We pull together a comprehensive team of experts from all aspects of cancer care, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, pathology, laboratory, diagnostic imaging, research, and other clinical and support services. 


Research is the backbone of eradicating cancer. Scripps has long been actively involved in leading-edge clinical and translational research, bringing new treatments from the research bench to your bedside.


Our tumor boards bring specialists together to review a patient’s treatment plans, sharing their collective knowledge and expertise to ensure you receive the best possible care from diagnosis to recovery.


Your care team works together to coordinate your care, share updates and make your life as stress-free as possible — so you can focus on getting well.

Cancer treatment plans designed for you 

No one wants to think about a cancer diagnosis. But when it happens, you need guidance, support and expert, compassionate care from people who understand what you’re going through. 


Scripps Cancer Center knows what it’s like to fight cancer. We’ve treated patients with every kind of cancer, from all walks of life. And we know that no two patients are the same. Your Scripps multidisciplinary team designs your treatment plan around you — your medical needs, your lifestyle, your values, and your goals for the future. It’s your personalized road map to your best outcome, and your entire team is traveling with you.