Hearing the word “cancer” is overwhelming. Many patients in Zamboanga City and Western Mindanao are unsure which specialist to see next or when radiotherapy should be part of their treatment.
This guide explains, in simple terms, when it may be helpful to see a radiation oncologist, what happens during a consultation, and how you can access radiotherapy at centers in Zamboanga — without needing to travel to Manila or Cebu.
What does a radiation oncologist do?
A radiation oncologist is a doctor who specializes in using radiotherapy (radiation treatment) to treat cancer and some non-cancer conditions. They work as part of a team with surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists.
In simple terms, a radiation oncologist:
- Reviews your diagnosis, biopsy results, and imaging (CT/MRI/PET, etc.).
- Assesses whether radiotherapy is needed, and what the goal is (curative or palliative).
- Designs a personalized treatment plan with a medical physicist and radiotherapy team.
- Monitors side effects during treatment and advises how to manage them.
When is it time to see a radiation oncologist?
You do not have to wait for your cancer to become “worse” before seeing a radiation oncologist. In many cases, early referral leads to better outcomes and smoother planning.
1. After a new cancer diagnosis
If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer, especially cancers of the breast, cervix, uterus, head and neck, lung, prostate, or brain, it is often appropriate to include a radiation oncologist in your team.
You may be referred to a radiation oncologist:
- Right after the diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy, or
- After initial discussions with your surgeon or medical oncologist.
2. After surgery, when told to “complete treatment”
Many patients are advised to “complete treatment” after cancer surgery. This usually means additional therapy such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or both, to reduce the risk of recurrence.
You may need a radiation oncology consult if you have:
- Breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy.
- Head and neck cancer after removal of the primary tumor.
- Gynecologic cancers (cervical, uterine) after surgery.
- Cancers where the final biopsy report shows high-risk features.
3. After chemotherapy, when local control is needed
In some cancers, treatment is given in stages: chemotherapy first, then local treatment to the tumor area. Radiotherapy is often part of this second stage.
You may be advised to see a radiation oncologist:
- After completing a course of chemotherapy.
- When imaging shows good response but residual tumor that still needs local control.
- When your oncologist says, “The next step is radiotherapy.”
4. For pain, bleeding, or other symptoms from tumors
Radiotherapy is not only for curing cancer. It is also very effective for relieving symptoms, even in advanced stages.
You should consider a radiation oncology consult if you have:
- Painful bone metastases (e.g., spine, hips, ribs).
- Weakness or numbness suggesting spinal cord compression.
- Brain metastases causing headache, seizures, or neurologic symptoms.
- Bleeding or discharge from a known tumor (e.g., cervix, rectum, head and neck).
- Obstructive symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing due to tumor mass.
Why early referral matters in Zamboanga
In Zamboanga City and Western Mindanao, we are fortunate to have local access to LINAC-based radiotherapy and brachytherapy. However, there are still:
- Waiting times for planning and simulation.
- Schedules to coordinate with chemotherapy or surgery.
- Travel and lodging considerations for patients from distant provinces.
Seeing a radiation oncologist early in your cancer journey allows enough time to:
- Plan the most appropriate sequence of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
- Arrange necessary scans and laboratory tests.
- Discuss PhilHealth coverage and other financial assistance with the hospital team.
What to prepare before your consultation
To make the most of your visit, it helps to bring as many of these as possible (even photocopies or photos on your phone are useful):
- Biopsy or histopathology report.
- CT, MRI, ultrasound, or PET scan results and images if available.
- Discharge summaries from any previous hospitalizations.
- List of medications, including chemotherapy or targeted therapy received.
- PhilHealth ID and other relevant documents.
If any of these are not yet available, do not be discouraged. You can still consult, and your doctor will guide you on the next steps.
Where can I get radiotherapy in Zamboanga?
Radiotherapy services are available locally in Zamboanga City through:
- Zamboanga City Medical Center – Department of Radiation Oncology (government center)
- West Metro Cancer Center (private center)
For more detailed information on services, PhilHealth coverage, and locations, you can visit the section “Where can I get radiotherapy in Zamboanga?” on our main page.
How can I ask if radiotherapy is right for me?
If you are unsure whether radiotherapy is needed in your case, you can discuss it with your current doctor or directly ask for a referral to a radiation oncologist.
You may also send us a message if you need general guidance. While we cannot give personal medical prescriptions online, we can help you:
- Understand in simple language what radiotherapy might do in similar cases.
- Know which specialists to see next (surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist).
- Identify which center in Zamboanga may be most suitable for your situation.
📩 Facebook Page: Zamboanga Cancer Care & Radiotherapy
📧 Email: zamboangacancercare@gmail.com
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for consultation with your doctor or oncologist.