- Medical Weight LossThe signs and symptoms vary depending on the specific kind of cancer, but there are some general signs and symptoms that may indicate a need for testing. These include fatigue, a sore that does not heal, nagging cough, pain, unexplained weight loss, fever and changes on the skin. Although there could be other reasons for these signs and symptoms, anyone experiencing these should consult their physician.
- Nutritional CounselingWe don’t just understand cancer from a medical standpoint. We understand the mental side of a cancer diagnosis as well. The range of emotions and despair that can creep in. Part of Arizona Oncology’s comprehensive approach to cancer treatment is ensuring you have the support and resources to strengthen your resolve and address as many of your needs as possible for the path ahead. Whether it’s nutrition counseling, helping you understand the side effects of treatments such as hair loss, or any of the many questions that come up along the way, we are here to help.
- Pediatric CarePrimary Care Physician (PCP): A PCP is a physician designated as responsible for providing specific primary care services. This includes decisions regarding referrals for specialty care. PCPs are usually family practice, general practice, internal medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics and, for AHCCCS plans, obstetrics and gynecology. Under the HMO health plan model, the PCP may also be considered the gatekeeper.
- Primary CareHealth Maintenance Organizations (HMOs): HMOs are organized systems for providing healthcare in a geographic area. They have a set of basic and supplemental preventative and treatment services; members generally select or area assigned a primary care physician (PCP) who, in some plans, is responsible for making referrals to specialists. HMOs offer no "out-of-network" benefits which means you may be only able to obtain care out of your service area if it is a medical emergency. It is important you check with your plan as your service area may be limited to a specific county or a state. Out of pocket expenses (patient responsibilities) for HMOs include deductibles and co-payments.
- Family Practice
- Emergency CareAffordable Care Act (ACA): Sometimes referred to as Obamacare, the ACA was established to ensure health insurance coverage was available to all US citizens. Besides mandating the availability of health insurance benefits for all US citizens, the ACA removes a health plan’s ability to deny coverage or charge patients more for premiums because they are or have been ill (no pre-existing disease clauses). It requires services like emergency room, maternity care and behavioral health become covered benefits. It also requires that preventative services, like well woman exams be provided at no cost to the patient. The ACA allows children to stay on their parent’s insurance plan until the he or she turns 26. It controls how much an insurance company can increase its premiums and limits how much money an insurance company requires patients pay before the plan starts paying for benefits (i.e., it limits the deductible). Future aspects of the ACA close the donut hole that currently exists in Medicare prescription Part D coverage.
- ColonoscopyColonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and high-sensitivity fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) - These tests have all been shown to reduce deaths from colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy also help prevent colorectal cancer because they can detect abnormal colon growths (polyps) that can be removed before they develop into cancer.
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Gynecology
- Obstetrics
- Internal Medicine
- Bladder Cancer
- UrologyArizona Oncology delivers world-class care and research with passion and precision, right in your community, so you can thrive with and beyond cancer. With highly specialized providers, leading-edge technology and access to clinical trials, we advance cancer care in the following areas: Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, Breast Surgical Oncology, Colorectal Surgery, Hematology, Urology, Clinical Trials, Genetic Risk Assessment, and Patient Ancillary Programs. We are one of the largest group of medical professionals in Arizona devoted to providing compassionate cancer care and breakthrough research close to where patients live and work. Our team treats patients in many locations throughout the state including Goodyear, Green Valley, Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Tucson. For more information, visit ArizonaOncology.com.
- Kidney Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Ovarian CancerGynecologic oncologist: An oncologist who specializes in the diagnosing and treating cancers of the female reproductive organs, including ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, cervical cancer, and vulvar cancer. In most cases, the gynecologic oncologist will perform any surgery required for these types of cancer, as well as serve in the role of cancer treatment coordinator for their patients, bringing in other team members as needed.
- Cervical CancerPap test and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing - These tests reduce the incidence of cervical cancer because they allow abnormal cells to be identified and treated before they become cancer. They also reduce deaths from cervical cancer. Testing is generally recommended to begin at age 21 and to end at age 65, as long as recent results have been normal.
- Colon CancerCancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer, and cancer that begins in the rectum is called rectal cancer. Cancer that starts in either of these organs may also be called colorectal cancer.
- Prostate CancerProstate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the US. The good news is it is one of the most survivable forms of cancer.
- Cancer CarePatients who have been diagnosed with cancer may need to meet with several different cancer care specialists during treatment and recovery. This guide should help make it easier to understand the role that each person may play in cancer care.
- Lung CancerWhen it comes to receiving a lung cancer diagnosis, it can take your breath away. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t. The expert surgeons and caring nurses at Arizona Oncology can outline a path forward to help you breathe a little easier along this journey.
- Depression
- Mental Health
- Behavioral Health
- Anxiety
- Thyroid
- Thyroid Cancer
- UltrasoundAlpha-fetoprotein blood test - This test is sometimes used, along with ultrasound of the liver, to try to detect liver cancer early in people at high risk of the disease.
- MRIBreast MRI - This imaging test is often used for women who carry a harmful mutation in the BRCA1 gene or the BRCA2 gene; such women have a high risk of breast cancer, as well as increased risk for other cancers.
- RadiologyMedicare: The federal health insurance program for older Americans and eligible disabled individuals. Part A covers services like hospitalization. Medicare Part B covers services like lab services, radiology, durable medical equipment and physician services. Individuals must sign up with Medicare for Part B coverage and pay premiums to Medicare for this coverage. Medicare is one of the last traditional indemnity plans that exists today. Patients covered by traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) can purchase a supplemental plan to cover the patient out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Medicare. Patients can also choose to “assign” their Medicare benefits to a Medicare Advantage plan (HMO or PPO) plan. Medicare Advantage plans are considered managed care plans. Most Medicare Advantage plans require premium payments and have some additional level of patient financial responsibility including co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles.
- X-Rays
- MammographyMammography - This method to screen for breast cancer has been shown to reduce mortality from the disease among women ages 40 to 74, especially those age 50 or older.
- Computed TomographyDiagnostic imaging tests and scans are important for accurately diagnosing and staging cancer, as well as tracking the progress of treatment. Our in-office imaging center provides the most advanced imaging services available. From Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) to combination PET/CT scans, you can schedule and receive the tests and scans required for your personalized care.
- ChemotherapyMedical oncologist: A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biologic therapy, and/or targeted therapy, as appropriate for each patient’s situation. A medical oncologist often serves in the role of the main health care provider for a patient undergoing cancer treatment. A medical oncologist also gives supportive care and may coordinate cancer treatments given by other specialists.
- Radiation TherapyThe purpose of your radiation therapy is to damage or destroy cancerous cells by preventing them from growing or dividing, while minimizing adverse effects on nearby healthy organs and tissues.
- Radiation OncologyRadiation therapist: A professional who works in the field of radiation oncology. A radiation therapist plans and administers radiation treatments to cancer patients, under the supervision of a doctor.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Reconstructive SurgeryYour medical team will perform an in-depth review of your case to enhance communication and guide individualized treatment recommendations. This will generally include input from surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, reconstructive surgery, pathology, and genetics.
- Breast ReconstructionWhen it comes to breast reconstruction, there is no “one size fits all” approach. Much like each patient’s cancer care, the timing, type and overall decision to proceed with breast reconstruction is highly personalized.
- Breast Surgery
- Skin CancerSkin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. It begins on the outer layer of skin, called the epidermis, and is most often caused by exposure to UV light including sunlight and artificial UV light from tanning beds. However, skin cancer can appear anywhere on your body even if it wasn’t exposed heavily to UV light.
- Lesions
- Skin CareSkin care - External radiation therapy can cause the skin to become irritated or sensitive -- much like a sunburn. Talk to your care team about the correct lotions, medicines and soaps to use in the area to minimize the discomfort.
- Physical Therapy
- Geriatrics