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7 questions cancer patients should ask their doctor before starting radiation treatments
When a doctor confirms that you have cancer, all sorts of thoughts and questions are bound to run through your head.
Was it discovered early enough? What is the survival rate? Will health insurance cover treatment costs? What happens if the cancer spreads?
Cancer is one of the scariest diagnoses imaginable, but a vast majority of cases can be treated effectively through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, bone marrow transplants and other therapies. Throughout your cancer journey, a trusted physician and his or her team of medical professionals will become your biggest allies.
Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy beams or radiation to kill or shrink cancer cells, has become a preferred treatment option for oncologists and patients alike. It is proven effective on many types of cancers, including breast, prostate, brain, bone, colon, liver, lung and others.
Before starting radiation treatments, be sure to ask the following questions:
How do you deliver radiation treatments?
Today's technology delivers far superior treatments compared to the turn of the century, or even a few years ago. The new Halcyon machine at Advocate Radiation Oncology, for example, delivers radiation treatments so precise that healthy tissue just a millimeter away is not damaged. Advocate's TrueBeam linear accelerator uses image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy to treat tumors and lesions. A skilled oncologist should provide a complete radiation therapy plan that maps out the entire treatment timeline.
Are treatments painful?
Radiation treatments themselves are relatively painless, but traditionally cancer patients have felt the most discomfort in the days and weeks after treatments. Because of the aforementioned precision of modern-day radiation treatments, side effects aren't nearly as severe as a generation ago because radiation beams focus only on dangerous cancer cells. And with fewer symptoms, many patients will enjoy an improved quality of life.
How long do treatments take?
The Halcyon machine, which is considered the most advanced radiation therapy system on the market, delivers image-guided radiation therapy up to four times faster than standard technology. This means patients spend less time undergoing treatments and more time at home focusing on their recovery. In fact, treatments often take less time than a routine annual physical. Depending on the treatment plan a radiation oncologist prescribes, treatments could last for as little as three to five days, or up to five days a week for a longer period.
Is it safe to seek treatment now?
Oncologists have always encouraged the practice of social distancing, especially as COVID-19 remains a threat to those with compromised immune systems. Compared to homes, supermarkets and restaurants, medical offices are by far the cleanest, sterile environment, so safety concerns about visiting a doctor's office should be minimal. Your chances for a full recovery are much better if treated right away.
Most major insurance companies provide strong coverage for cancer treatments. Like any type of medical treatment, cancer patients should expect to see copays and deductibles. Cancer patients can reach the "out-of-pocket maximum" through their insurance plan, at which time the insurance company covers 100% of costs. An oncologist's billing department should handle all of the paperwork so patients can focus on their recovery, regardless of their financial situation.
Should I change my diet?
Radiation takes a toll on the human body. The negative health impacts can be minimized by consuming a healthy diet with plenty of water and foods that contain vitamins, minerals, lean protein and carbohydrates. Avoid foods high in sodium, added sugars and saturated fats.
Will exercise aid or impede recovery?
Fatigue is a common side effect of radiation treatments, but moderate exercise can offset the impact. Just 20 to 30 minutes of moderate-
intensity aerobic exercise each day can help improve a patient's health, psychological outlook and quality of life.
Note: This article was originally published in the June 2021 issue of SWFL Health & Wellness. The monthly magazine provides information that promotes living a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle.
READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE: 7 questions cancer patients should ask their doctor before starting radiation treatments
Dr. Arie Dosoretz is proud to provide top-tier patient care and significant management expertise to Advocate Radiation Oncology. He considers it critical for experts in the community to continuously stay up to date with developments in the oncology world so patients have access to the best care. He enjoys using his Spanish fluency to communicate with and fulfill the needs of the Hispanic community.
Dr. Dosoretz earned a joint MD/MBA degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the Wharton School of Business. He completed his residency at Yale University's New Haven Hospital, Department of Therapeutic Radiology in New Haven, CT. He returned to his hometown of Fort Myers in 2015 where he has practiced as a physician and worked in clinical administration, directing physician recruitment and overseeing clinical operations and quality.
He is a widely published researcher in nationally recognized peer-reviewed journals, and is a member of the American Society for Radiation Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He maintains a close relationship with many academic researchers including the Yale COPPER center.
Away from the medical practice, he spends time with his wife, Jane and three children, Evan, Lydia, and Naomi. He is an avid runner, and enjoys the outdoors and fly-fishing trips.
To learn more about Advocate Radiation Oncology, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. There, you can learn about treatment options, referrals, insurance coverage, billing and more.
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Kevin Kozak, M.D., Ph.D.
Kevin Kozak, M.D., Ph.D., is a board-certified radiation oncologist committed to improving cancer patient outcomes. An expert in the treatment of brain tumors and prostate, breast and lung cancers, Dr. Kozak holds seven patents and has authored 80 peer-reviewed academic journal articles.
Dr. Kozak graduated magna cum laude with highest honors from Harvard University on a Navy ROTC scholarship. As an Aviation Intelligence Officer, he received Navy Achievement and Navy Commendation medals. Next, Dr. Kozak earned an M.D. and Ph.D. in biochemistry at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine before returning to Harvard to complete his radiation oncology training and postgraduate studies in tumor vascular biology.
At the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Kozak directed a cancer biology laboratory. He then served as Mercy Health System's chief of radiation oncology, and later its director of oncology services. Simultaneously, he also served as chief medical officer for two cancer-focused, bio-pharmaceutical companies and remains a scientific advisor for a radio-pharmaceutical startup.
Outside of work, Dr. Kozak enjoys fishing, traveling, and playing golf. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Dr. Kozak dedicates Sundays to his beloved Green Bay Packers.
Thomas J. Klein, M.D., Ph.D., FACRO
Thomas J. Klein, M.D., Ph.D., FACRO is a board-certified radiation oncologist who provides world class cancer treatment in a caring community setting. He values the personal relationships he forms with each of his patients and is committed to helping them in their fight against cancer. Dr. Klein is an advocate for his patients both in and out of the clinic. He has raised awareness on news broadcasts, lobbied for cancer patients' rights on Capitol Hill, and educated physicians around the country on making better treatment decisions for their patients.
Dr. Klein graduated with honors from Duke University and went on to earn both an M.D. and a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. After an internship year at Georgetown University Medical Center, Dr. Klein completed his radiation oncology training at the Yale School of Medicine where he was named Chief Resident and Yale's first ever Leonard B. Holman Research Pathway Resident. Dr. Klein has been honored with numerous grants and awards, including induction into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He has been recognized as a "Top Doctor" by multiple publications.
Dr. Klein is an expert in the treatment of a wide variety of cancer types, including breast, prostate, lung, and skin cancers. He has published peer-reviewed research in a number of top academic journals and has presented at both national and international meetings. Dr. Klein is a member of the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO), the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and the American Radium Society (ARS). He served as the Oncology Preceptor for the University of Miami's Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program and taught in courses at the Yale University School of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, and at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Klein loves spending time with his three children, Ethan, Jared, and Rachel, as well as his dog Calvin. He enjoys cooking for friends, travelling the world, and cheering for Duke Basketball.
Daniel Dosoretz, M.D., FACRO
Dr. Daniel Dosoretz has been practicing medicine for over 30 years. As one of the area's first Spanish-speaking radiation oncologists, he has been an advocate for Hispanic patients since moving to Southwest Florida in 1982. He is known for his dedication to patient care and has treated thousands of cancer patients. He takes pride in treating every patient as if they were a family member.
Dr. Dosoretz earned his medical degree in Argentina, where he graduated with honors as the top medical student in his class. He completed his residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, after which he practiced as an assistant professor in the hospital's prestigious radiation oncology department. Dr. Daniel Dosoretz founded one of the country's leading radiation oncology practices and served as the company's CEO for over three decades.
Dr. Dosoretz has published research on many topics, ranging from head and neck cancer to gynecologic malignancies, and has been published in over 50 articles in peer-reviewed publications. He has also served on multiple boards and committees, including the board of trustees of the American Cancer Society as program director of the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology, as well as on several committees of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. He has received multiple prestigious awards and honors for his service to cancer patients, and has been a visiting professor at Duke University, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. He is currently a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and is a fellow of the American College of Radiation Oncology.
In his free time, Dr. Dosoretz enjoys traveling with his wife, Chely, and spending time with his three children and eleven grandchildren. He has run several marathons and is a passionate soccer fan.
David Rice, M.D.
Over the last two decades, Dr. David Rice has dedicated his life to patient care and advancing the field of radiation oncology. Dr. Rice regularly reviews the newest developments and literature and ensures that patients are treated according to the highest academic standards.
Dr. Rice graduated from the College of William and Mary in Virginia with a degree in chemistry. He attended the University of Michigan Medical School, followed by an internship at the University of Hawaii. During his residency in radiation oncology in Ann Arbor, MI, he was active in head and neck cancer gene therapy research. He has been in Port Charlotte since 1999.
Dr. Rice is involved in several research areas, including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery, hypofractionation, and high-dose-rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer.
He has served as the president of the Association of Freestanding Radiation Oncology Centers, as well as the Chief of Staff at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte. He is also active in the American Cancer Society locally, and has been on the board of directors for the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology for several years, serving as the radiation oncology representative. He has also been a member of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology.
Dr. Rice enjoys golfing and attending sporting events. He is also a knowledgeable car enthusiast.
Michael Katin, M.D.
Following training in internal medicine, Michael Katin specialized in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Radiation Oncology at Roswell Park Memorial Institute, the National Cancer Institute/NIH, and Massachusetts General Hospital before relocating to Southwest Florida.
His primary dedication has been to patient care, but he has also been involved in clinical research and teaching. He is particularly interested in innovative treatment techniques and coordinating multimodality holistic approaches to take advantage of new discoveries regarding the biology of cancer and the body's own innate response.
He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania for both college and medical school and began his postgraduate training at Lankenau Medical Center. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Geriatric Medicine in addition to Radiation Oncology. He is president of the Association of Freestanding Radiation Oncology, and is involved in projects to maximize access to cancer care to patients throughout the country, particularly in underserved areas.
When not at work, Dr. Katin is interested in the preservation of the environment, including animal rights, but knows that nothing is more valuable than his family, for whom he is extremely grateful.
James Rubenstein, M.D., FACRO
Dr. James Rubenstein has been a part of the Southwest Florida oncology community for three decades and has dedicated his work to offering quality care to the Fort Myers community and surrounding areas. He considers working to take care of cancer patients an honor and a collaborative effort, as he works closely in conjunction with each patient's entire care team.
Dr. Rubenstein received his bachelor's degree from Yale University and his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine. He completed his residencies at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston and at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he served as Chief Resident in Radiation Oncology.
Dr. Rubenstein has received multiple awards and acknowledgments highlighting his work, including the Key to the Cure Humanitarian Award, FMA Alliance Pride in Partnership Award, and America's Top Doctors by Castle Connelly from 2011 to 2020. He is an active fellow of the American College of Radiology Oncology.
Dr. Rubenstein is a member of several medical organizations, including the Florida Medical Association, Florida Radiological Society, and Lee County Medical Society, among others. He has served as president of the American College of Radiation Oncology and on the board of directors of the Florida Medical Association.
He is a world-traveler with his wife, Betty, and takes great pride in his five children and eight grandchildren. Dr. Rubenstein is a longtime NY Giants fan and is also a distance-runner.
Graciela Garton, M.D., FACRO
Dr. Graciela Garton's passion is to serve cancer patients and their families. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience having treated thousands of patients over the last several decades. She is known for her warmth, attention to detail, and her collegiality. She is fluent in both Spanish and French.
She earned her medical degree at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she graduated with honors at the top of her class. She completed her residency at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. She was chief resident and assistant professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic, Department of Radiation Oncology, in Rochester, MN.
During her career, Dr. Garton was involved in the development and management of radiation oncology practices in Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida, as well as in North Carolina, New Jersey, and Maryland.
Dr. Garton has been an author and co-author of over 25 research projects published in peer-reviewed journals. She has written radiation oncology-related questions for the board examination for gynecology oncology fellows and has been a recognized national and international speaker at scientific conferences.
Dr. Garton enjoys spending time with her husband, John and her two daughters, Gaby and Vanessa. She is a world-traveler and enjoys studying foreign languages, philosophy, and art.
Arie Dosoretz, M.D., MBA
Alan Brown, M.D.
Dr. Alan Brown's passion for treating cancer was inspired by the loss of both of his grandmothers to cancer, as well as his mother's journey in becoming a breast cancer survivor. He understands the emotional and physical anguish that patients and their families endure throughout the journey. He chose to be a radiation oncologist because he wants to find a cure for cancer.
Dr. Brown uses state-of-the-art technology and a multidisciplinary approach to offer his patients the best treatment with a compassionate heart and acute attention to preservation of lifestyle and overall wellness. He also encourages integration of alternative medicine in combination with traditional cancer treatments.
Dr. Brown earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan, where he graduated at the top of his class with the distinction of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He completed his residency in Radiation Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School where he also served as Chief Resident of the Harvard Combined Radiation Oncology Program.
He has been recognized on a national level for his community involvement and cancer research with multiple publications and presentations. Dr. Brown currently serves as chairman of the Regional Cancer Center's Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic. He is a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncology, the American Medical Association, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He is a former board member of the diversity committee at Massachusetts General Hospital.
In his free time, Dr. Brown enjoys spending time with his wife, Rahel, his daughters, Liya and Alana, and dogs, Brutus and Lucky. He is an avid traveler and loves giving back to the community through volunteer work and philanthropy.
Amy Fox, M.D.
Throughout her career, Dr. Amy Fox has worked to raise awareness about the importance of cancer screening and to provide insight to her patients on the newest treatments and technology. She is bilingual and passionate about advocating for and educating underserved communities. She has also participated in numerous cancer presentations within the Hispanic community.
Dr. Fox has more than a decade of oncology experience. She received her education at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, graduating with several honors, including the Harold Elster Memorial Prize for highest academic standing. She completed her residency at the Harvard Radiation Oncology Program in Boston before returning to her hometown of Fort Myers.
She has presented and published research on a variety of topics in oncology, including head and neck cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma. Dr. Fox is a member of the American College of Radiation Oncology, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, the American Medical Association, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her husband, Brian and their three children, Sophia, Josh, and Carina.