Find a Top Oncologist Near Me in Avondale, AZ – Book an Appointment Instantly

Dr. Sara Zakem is a board-certified radiation oncologist with expertise in the management of all cancer types using advanced techniques including brachytherapy, Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) and Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT). Originally from Grand Rapids, MI, Dr. Zakem served as chief resident of radiation oncology at the University of Colorado before beginning her career as a radiation oncologist at the University of Washington. She joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care after moving to Phoenix with her husband, a head and neck cancer surgeon, in 2023.  

Dr. Zakem is an active member of the radiation oncology community, serving on the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Early Career Committee and the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) New Practitioner and Communications Committees. As a resident, she additionally served as the Communications Chair for the Society for Women in Radiation Oncology (SWRO) and was elected to the Gold Humanism Honor Society by her colleagues for her commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications on esophageal, pancreatic, gynecologic, and head and neck cancers. 

Having been personally touched by cancer, Dr. Zakem recognizes that receiving a cancer diagnosis is often one of the most frightening and confusing times for a patient and their loved ones. She is dedicated to taking the time needed to help patients understand and navigate their cancer diagnoses, clearly communicating the role of radiation therapy and how it can best be used to help patients achieve their goals of care. 

In her free time, Dr. Zakem enjoys spending time with her husband and two cats, live music, yoga, skiing, spending time outdoors, and rooting for her Michigan Wolverines - Go Blue! 

Patient Reviews:

"Very friendly, careful to explain everything. Kind and caring." -Steve

Arizona Center for Cancer Care is a cancer center without walls, offering the best doctors, best treatments, best technologies, and best research to give patients the best care possible. With offices in Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, Anthem, Peoria, Fountain Hills, Wickenburg, Apache Junction, Sun City, Sun City West, Goodyear, Prescott Valley, and Tempe, Arizona, the multi-specialty practice cares for more than 30,000 patients across the Valley.

Arizona Center for Cancer Care specializes in treating many types of cancer, including multiple myeloma, colon, head and neck, breast, skin, and pancreatic, as well as brain cancer, lung cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer. 

The practice uses the most current treatment options available, including various forms of radiation oncology and medical oncology, and hematology. The center also includes experts in gynecologic oncology and breast surgery and has a newly diagnosed breast cancer clinic.

The board-certified radiation oncologists at Arizona Center for Cancer Care use positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging to reveal the presence and severity of cancer and create an effective treatment plan.

Dedicated to providing its patients with the most current drugs and therapies available, Arizona Center for Cancer Care participates in multiple clinical trials. 

Cancer is a disease of survivors, and Arizona Center for Cancer Care is keeping it that way.  

For comprehensive, high-quality cancer care, call Arizona Center for Cancer Care or schedule an appointment online today. Telemedicine appointments are available.

Getting diagnosed with cancer is very difficult for patients and their families but getting treatment for cancer should not be. Dr. Agarwal approaches all cancer patients with the goal of giving them the most up-to-date and individualized cancer treatment in an efficient way so they can continue to live their lives as close to normal as possible

Dr. Agarwal specializes in all different types of cancer and blood related problems such as lung, gastrointestinal, prostate, genitourinary, gynecologic, neurologic, lymphomas, leukemia, anemia, platelets clotting disorders, etc.  He is also interested in clinical trials and has completed advanced training in clinical trials and research. In addition, he has published several papers and has presented at national and international cancer meetings.

In his free time, Dr. Agarwal enjoys traveling, watching movies, playing tennis and golf.

Dr. Parmjeet Kumar Banghar specializes in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine. He joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 when his team at Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology partnered with the practice.

Currently, Dr. Banghar is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Society of Hematology. He has participated in a research study involving cerebrovascular diseases and been published in several journals, including Leukemia Research and the Indian Journal of Medical Sciences. He has also presented on a number of topics, including sonographic evaluation of the spleen in sickle cell syndromes, lennox gastaut syndrome and sweet syndrome in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia.

Patient Reviews:

"This doctor is smart and knows cancer. The staff is the best. My nurses who give me shots are the best! Highly reccomend this office." -Lina

"I have been Dr. Banghar's patient since 2019 and just found out I could give him a review. Wish I had been told this before. He is an excellent provider. He has made me feel confident about my treatment which I think has/had a tremendous amount of impact on my care and the outcome. I would recommend him and the facility in a heart beat." -Felicia

Dr. Kaplan treats a wide variety of medical oncology, malignant hematology, and benign hematologic disease. She is especially interested in treating breast cancer and general oncology.

Dr. Kaplan enjoys cooking, reading, watching sports, traveling, and spending time with family and her 2 dogs named Penny.

"Dr. Kaplan was a major part of my father-in-love’s cancer treatment and was one of his biggest champions. Her bedside manner was incredibly personalized, kind, and intentional. He couldn’t say enough wonderful things about her. I highly recommend her!" -Leanne

Dr. Ashley Albert is a board-certified radiation oncologist who is passionate about building meaningful relationships with her patients and their families, guiding them through every step of their cancer journey. 

With expertise in advanced treatment modalities, including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT), Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), and Brachytherapy, Dr. Albert specializes in treating a wide range of cancers with radiation. She also treats benign musculoskeletal conditions using low-dose radiotherapy.

Dr. Albert is dedicated to delivering personalized, evidence-based care and embraces a holistic approach to cancer treatment. Beyond radiation therapy, she empowers her patients with research-supported strategies including nutritional guidance and sustainable lifestyle changes to enhance their health and quality of life during and after treatment.

She has held national leadership roles, including serving as Vice-Chair of the ARRO Executive Committee and participating on committees with ASTRO and ROI. Dr. Albert co-founded the Society for Women in Radiation Oncology and has authored research articles on breast cancer, skin cancer, and geriatric oncology.

Since joining the Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2020, Dr. Albert has been honored within the local community for her compassionate care and dedication to providing exceptional treatment.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Albert is married to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ben Albert. Together with their three children, they enjoy exploring the outdoors and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. In her leisure time, Dr. Albert enjoys learning to play guitar and desert gardening.

Patient Reviews:

"Dr. Albert is very knowledgeable, personal and kind. I would very much refer her." -Mary Jane

"Dr. Albert is extraordinarily compassionate, knowledgeable and thoughtful. I have some tricky physical reactions to things and she reassured me with well researched answers to questions and left me feeling both supported and heard. Her whole staff was kind, thoughtful and upbeat. I highly recommend her whole practice." -Kristin

Janice is a dedicated hematology/oncology nurse practitioner who collaborates closely with physicians and other healthcare team members to deliver comprehensive care, offering unwavering support to patients and caregivers during treatment and beyond. With over 12 years of experience as a hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplant nurse, Janice has worked with medically complex neonates, pediatrics, and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree from the University of Phoenix and is nationally certified as a Nurse Practitioner by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Passionate about patient advocacy and education, Janice seeks to empower patients by listening to their health needs and goals and working in partnership with them and their families to manage their health effectively.

Dr. Steven Sckolnik is a board certified radiation oncologist and has expertise in the management of breast, prostate and gastrointestinal cancers. He has a particular interest in utilizing new and advanced treatment techniques to minimize side effects. He most enjoys developing long-lasting relationships with his patients that extend beyond their treatments. He is a Scottsdale native and returned home to join Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2016. He received a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University in Chicago and a medical degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson. 

Dr. Sckolnik is a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, American Brachytherapy Society, American College of Radiology and the Arizona Radiological Society.

Dr. Sckolnik also enjoys cooking, traveling, colorful socks, skiing and Arizona Wildcats basketball.

Patient Reviews:

"Marissa and Dr. Sckolnik are 2 of the most compasionate, supportive people you could ask for in a difficult medical situation. They are kind, thoughtful, and in your corner to make sure you get the best possible care available. I'm very grateful they are the team taking care of me." -Sue

"Very bright, great algorithms for diagnosis and treatment..excellent coordination between urology radiology, and oncology, great follow-up ( a lost art theze days.) Extremely personable couldn't ask for a better person or physician!!!" -Walter

Dr. Michele Sazama is a board-certified adult nurse practitioner with extensive clinical experience, including over twenty years working with oncology patients.  She holds national specialty certifications as an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) and Board-Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS). 

Dr. Sazama was an instructor for Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing for many years and continues to serve as adjunct faculty for the Arizona State University nursing program.  She created and directed a formal clinical rotation in oncology for graduate and doctoral nursing candidates, helping Arizona students develop their ability to safely care for oncology patients.

Dr. Sazama practices evidence-based medicine with a holistic focus and respect for individual choice.

Her clinical interests include psychoneuroimmunology, stress response, coping mechanisms, biofeedback, culturally diverse healing modalities, metaphysical science, meditation, and neuroplasticity.

Specializing in treating benign and malignant breast disease, Dr. Cox has a special interest in breast conservation and minimally-invasive techniques. With this emphasis, she helps each patient choose the best surgical and oncologic results while preserving as much normal breast tissue as possible.

After completing undergraduate and graduate degrees at California State University, Dr. Cox graduated from Flinders University of South Australia. She completed her general surgery training at Pennsylvania State University's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and a Breast Surgical Oncology fellowship at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey/UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Hospital.

In her spare time, Dr. Cox enjoys Bikram yoga and hiking in the Arizona foothills with her two shiba inus. She travels and, in particular, enjoys the beautiful cultures and histories of the Asian continent.

Patient Reviews: 

"Dr. Cox is a fantastic Dr./surgeon. I went to her after receiving positive cancer biopsy results. That in and of itself is super scary, let alone not knowing what was going to happen next. This wonderful, warm Dr. sat next to me and explained everything so I could understand it. Dr Cox took her time with me, she drew pictures to show me everything that was going on and what she was going to do. Dr. Cox tells you how it is in the most compassionate way. I felt very cared for. I had a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy. She did a beautiful job surgically. The follow up phone calls were made in a timely manner. Her staff is wonderful as well. I highly recommend Dr. Cox and going forward should I do mastectomy she will be my surgeon hands down!" -Deborah

"I took my wife to our 1st consultation. The experience was very informative. Dr Cox spent the time to go through all our options. She was so personable and kind I left her office with my wife feeling we have made the best choice in the valley. Looking forward to our journey with her on our team. I highly recommend her." -Pete

Dr. Joan Dahmer specializes in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine.

Dr. Dahmer joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 when her team at Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology partnered with the practice. Prior to joining Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology in 2002, Dr. Dahmer developed the oncology program at both Maryvale and Memorial Hospitals in Phoenix. She was also Chief of Medicine at Laurentian Hospital in California and has served as a medical consultant for prominent centers and labs.

Dr. Dahmer has been active in the medical community as a past or current member of several organizations, most recently as a member of The Arizona Clinical Oncology Society, the American Society of Hematology, and the Association of Community Cancer Centers, to name a few. 

She has also volunteered her time to many health-related causes, including serving as medical director for the HAVEN Program of Northeastern Ohio, a comprehensive program for those infected with and affected by HIV. 

She has presented on a number of topics including, medical marijuana, cardiac assessment in home care to home health nurses, women in medicine, oral & lung cancer and medicine as a career.

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Patient Reviews:

"Dr. Dahmer is very good, kind, understanding, and very professional 👏." -Cozetta

"Virginia Piper cancer center has the nicest. Most accommodating staff and nurses. Doc Dahmer is the best doctor I have heard of. She is patient. Kind. Incredibly smart. Very thorough. I just love her. You wont be disappointed with her." -Samantha

Dr. Azadi specializes in specializes in Neuro-Oncology, focusing on brain, spine, skull-based tumors and head and neck malignancies (many of which are listed below). His expertise includes the diagnosis and treatment of brain and head & neck tumors. Dr. Azadi’s research interests include precision medicine and immunotherapy in primary and secondary brain tumors.

• Acoustic neuroma
• Astrocytoma
• Benign nervous system tumor
• Brain cancer
• Brain metastasis
• Brain tumor
• Chordoma
• Choroid plexus papilloma
• Ependymoma
• Glioblastoma
• Glioma
• Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC),
• Meningioma
• Neurofibroma
• Neurofibromatosis
• Oligodendroglioma
• Peripheral nerve tumor
• Pituitary tumor
• Secondary brain tumors
• Spinal cord tumor

Dr. Azadi’s priority is to provide his patients with personalized, compassionate care using the most up-to-date treatment options. He listens to his patients, and collaboratively they choose the best treatment option for their cancer. He strives to deliver the most effective cancer management and treatment strategies, while providing encouragement and support for his patients.

In his free time, Dr. Azadi enjoys all sports, especially tennis and mountain biking.

Patient Reviews:

"Dr Azadi has been treating my husband who has Glioblastoma Vi since diagnosis. He is very kind and one of the few Doctors we have worked with who has been honest with us. He is also the only one who suggested trials which we are very excited about. Dr Azadi has made himself completely reachable when I have any issues come up. He responds so quickly and always with a helpful solution." -Rhonda

Dr. Modasi is a highly trained minimally invasive and robotic surgeon with subspecialty expertise in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery. He has been published and cited in numerous journals internationally and has given talks to surgeons from across the world.

During his training Dr. Modasi won several awards for his technical abilities in laparoscopy and was ranked amongst the highest trainees across the country academically. He then went on to pursue fellowship training at the University of Alberta focusing on Minimally Invasive Surgery and Bariatric Surgery, followed by a second fellowship in Robotic and Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) Surgery at AdventHealth Tampa.

Dr. Modasi specializes in using minimally invasive approaches to treat patients, resulting in less pain and quicker recovery. He has expertise in advanced laparoscopy and the da Vinci robotic system, and utilizes these modalities whenever possible to improve the care of his patients. His clinical interests include hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, gastric surgery, anti-reflux surgery and hiatal hernia surgery. He also performs a broad range of general surgery including colon surgery, hernia surgery, and gallbladder surgery. He is a strong believer in tailored patient care, taking time with each of his patients to listen to their story to identify a care plan that best suits their needs.

Patient Reviews:

"Dr Modasi is very thorough in diagnosing & then explaining his care plan in “layperson” terms. He takes the time to answer questions on the procedure. Dr Modasi will do whatever he can to assure a successful procedure & recovery. I’m thankful for his help with my health issues." -Jeff

Dr. Andrew J. Buresh specializes in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. He is interested in all aspects of clinical oncology and hematology, with a particular interest in gastrointestinal, breast, lung, and prostate cancer, as well as myelodysplasia, coagulation disorders, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Dr. Buresh joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2013 when Desert Springs Cancer Care Center, which he founded and partnered with the practice. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology and Arizona State Physicians Association.

Dr. Buresh is a multi-year “Top Doc” honoree by Phoenix Magazine and was chosen for the cover of the annual ranking magazine in 2013. He was also honored by the Phoenix Business Journal as among its “40 Top Business Leaders under Age 40.”

Dr. Buresh and his wife are blessed to be the proud parents of three beautiful children. When not caring for patients, Dr. Buresh enjoys spending his time with family, exercising, reading, playing basketball, golf, guitar, and coaching youth sports. He also speaks basic medical Spanish.

Patient Reviews:

"Warm and caring in all aspects of care. He’s special in his approach and looks at the big picture. Spends a lot of time asking questions and is conservative in his approach. So glad I was referred to him and will continue to refer him to others. Don’t be afraid~ take him on your journey with you!" -Robin

"Excellent Hematologist/Oncologist!!!" -Medi

A licensed and certified physician assistant, Perry has worked in a variety of healthcare settings throughout her career and particularly enjoys working alongside Dr. Brenda Moorthy at the Virginia G Piper Cancer Care Network Comprehensive Breast Center of Arizona. Perry holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona and a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Midwestern University.

Perry works closely with patients both in the office and during surgery. She is passionate about patient education and makes sure patient questions are always answered.

When Perry is not caring for patients, she loves spending time with her husband, two children, and Boston Terrier. She also enjoys camping, swimming, traveling, and especially, shopping!

Dr. Starr (Friedman) Eads is a board-certified General Surgeon who joined Arizona Premier Surgery in the summer of 2019. Originally from West Bloomfield, Michigan, she attended the University of Michigan where she majored in English and graduated with a BA and high honors for her undergraduate thesis. She then obtained her MD from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana. While Dr. Eads was in medical school, many of her close family members relocated to Arizona, but she remained in the South for another 5 years after graduation for residency training. She completed her residency in General Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. During this time, she met her now-husband, Danny Eads, who was training in Cardiothoracic Surgery. They were both fortunate to find positions with busy practices and great partners close to Dr. Eads’ family, and they are grateful for the opportunity to serve the Scottsdale and East Valley areas.

Dr. Eads’ practice focuses on minimally invasive surgery, with growing expertise in both the robotic Da Vinci and laparoscopic platforms. She is also skilled in traditional open surgical techniques. Her clinical interests include surgery for the gallbladder, upper and lower gastrointestinal disorders, groin hernias, abdominal wall hernias, and skin/soft tissue lesion removal. Providing excellent patient care is her top priority. She is dedicated to continuing to expand her knowledge base and learn new techniques to optimize her patients’ experience. Dr. Eads believes in a team approach to patient care, and that patients and their families are an important part of this team. She tries to always take the time to listen to the concerns of her patients and strives for her patients to consistently feel like they understand and are in control of the plan.

Dr. Eads’ interests include hiking, live music, co-hosting crawfish boils, eating food cooked by other people, and all things New Orleans. She likes to spend her spare time with friends and family whenever possible. She and the other Dr. Eads are proud parents of their French bulldog, Barkley, and they enjoy bringing him on their adventures.