Advocate Radiation Oncology

Browse our frequently asked questions to learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

A cancer diagnosis and referral to be seen by a radiation oncologist can feel overwhelming. We strive to make you as comfortable as possible with your treatment. Below you can find answers to some of the most common questions we receive regarding our services.

You may contact us to begin the patient intake process, or you may ask your health care provider to provide you with a referral to our office.

You may access your online profile by clicking here, or simply by following this link: https://california.patient.noonaclinic.us/patient/#/login/

Advocate Radiation Oncology offers all major radiation options for cancer treatment. Your specific treatment will depend on many factors including the type and stage of cancer you have. Each treatment plan is personalized for every patient. This provides the greatest opportunity for treatment success, and hopefully minimizes the side effects you might experience.

If you or your referring physician have a particular doctor in mind, we will pair you with them for treatment. Otherwise, we will schedule you with the doctor who can see you as quickly as possible.

We believe collaboration is a key component of a successful treatment plan. We will work with you to get any records and imaging you have from your other caregivers to create the most comprehensive treatment plan possible. Click here for more information on what we will use to craft your personalized plan.

Each treatment plan is tailored to the specific patient, so you will receive your personalized treatment plan at your first appointment. In most cases, you will not receive treatment at your first appointment, and we will use that visit to develop the next steps of your treatment. For more on your treatment journey, click here.

Radiation therapy uses targeted doses of radiation to kill cancer cells. It works by damaging the genetic material inside cancer cells. Once this happens, they are not able to grow and spread. Radiation therapy can be prescribed for many reasons, including curing a patient’s cancer, shrinking tumors, reducing the risk of cancer returning, and/or reducing symptoms caused by growing tumors. The phrase “radiation oncology” covers all aspects of radiation treatment. Each patient is different, so we create an individual plan for you based on many factors.

There are many types of radiation therapies available to cancer patients. Each works by using radiation to target the cancer cells and the surrounding area that may harbor unhealthy cells. But because each patient is different, a treatment plan will be tailored to each patient’s needs individually. At Advocate Radiation Oncology we offer the state-of-the-art technology to ensure your best chance of recovery. For more information on the technologies we use, click here.

Radiation therapy is highly effective and has wide-ranging uses. And today’s technology can target cancer cells with extreme accuracy while preserving as much of the healthy surrounding tissue as possible. In many patients, radiation therapy can lead to curing their cancer and/or relieving cancer symptoms.

Yes. Radiation therapy has been used for over 100 years to treat cancer, sometimes in combination with other treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and/or medications. In fact, nearly two-thirds of cancer treatment plans include radiation therapy. Furthermore, before you begin treatment your doctor will carefully tailor your plan to make sure it is as safe and accurate as possible.

Your doctor will base your specific treatment on many factors, including the type and stage of cancer you have. Once your doctor learns more about what you need, they will determine the proper approach and timeline. Learn more about our treatment options here.

Each patient has a different experience while undergoing radiation therapy. Side effects may depend on the part of your body being treated. However, some of the most common side effects include fatigue, nausea, skin changes, and hair loss. Of course, we strive to minimize your side effects whenever possible.

Advocate Radiation Oncology accepts most major insurance coverage, as well as Medicare options. Please contact us with questions.

We are happy to help with this process so you can quickly begin receiving treatment. Please contact us for assistance.

At Advocate Radiation Oncology, the patient truly comes first. We will work with you to ensure you are cared for – regardless of your financial situation. Please contact us to discuss your options.