Many patients have similar concerns about receiving radiation treatment:
A: No, in all but a few cases there is only minor discomfort that can be addressed through medication.
These concerns and others will be discussed in your initial consultation.
A: Golden Gate Cancer Center was founded by physicians for patients with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer treatment now has many different options and patients needed a center that focused on increasingly complex technical therapies. We brought together experts in surgery, radiation oncology, and pathology to do just that.
A: Golden Gate Cancer Center is intentionally not linked to a particular hospital, but we have formal relationships and admitting privileges with most local hospitals.
A: Most obviously, all of our patients are men. Almost all of the patients have prostate cancer, but we also treat testicular and bladder cancers.
A: Treatments are given M-F, 5 days a week for several weeks depending on your disease and condition. The treatment takes 90 seconds and you feel no sensation when treated, though the time in the center is typically 10-20 minutes.
A: Your primary care doctor is a critical part of your care team. Treatment is always coordinated with your other health care providers to ensure that your other medical conditions are well monitored.
A: You can call us directly at 415-541-0800 or ask you primary care physician to arrange for a consultation. You can also use our contact form. We will need your pathology report (usually from either a biopsy or a surgical procedure). A PSA history is also helpful to customize your treatment regimen.
A: Many of our patients have disabilities, financial limitations, or transportation issues related to getting care. We have arrangements with organizations like the American Cancer Society and services like public shuttles, which can be coordinated through our staff.
A: Yes, we have complimentary valet parking for all of our patients. Simply pull up to our front entrance for assistance.
A: We have contracts with most insurance companies, and we are continually adding to our list. Plus, we are often able to get pre-authorization for our patients from insurers not on that list.
Here’s a partial list of our insurance companies:
A: Our staff speaks many languages, including all dialects of Chinese, Hindu, and Spanish. We also arrange for translators who speak other languages when necessary.
