Dr. John Peterson, MD is an Oncology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive oncological care for older adults. He is a registered physician with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is currently welcoming new patients at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida. As a general oncologist, Dr. Peterson provides expert medical care for older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses, working collaboratively with their primary care physician and other specialists to manage complex conditions and create a personalized treatment plan. He focuses on common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia, and understands the unique needs of this patient population. To schedule an appointment, please call (727) 821-0017. Dr. Peterson's journey into oncology began with treatment for a blood disease as a child, leading him to pursue a career in hematology and oncology. He earned his medical degree from University School Of Med, completed his Internal Medicine residency and fellowship in Medical Oncology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and further specialized through fellowships at University Tex Sw-Simmons Canc Center and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His commitment to providing exceptional, personalized care, coupled with his experience and advanced training, makes him a trusted partner in your senior health journey. He offers consultations in Arabic.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. John Peterson is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Peterson is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive oncological care for conditions like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia. He works collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to create personalized treatment plans, prioritizing the unique needs and goals of each patient while fostering a supportive environment for both the senior and their family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. John Peterson can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna HMO
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Great West Healthcare-Cigna
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- Molina
- Molina Healthcare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Open Access Plus
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. John Peterson provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Lobular Carcinoma: This type of breast cancer, known as lobular carcinoma, affects the lobules (milk-producing glands) and treatment plans aim not only to fight the cancer but also to minimize disruption to your daily life and maintain comfort.
- Lung Cancer: Lung cancer affects the lungs and may cause coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, but various treatments including targeted therapies can help control symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma: As a blood cancer affecting white blood cells, mantle cell lymphoma can be addressed with tailored treatment plans designed to support your overall health and wellbeing, even in later life, maximizing your independence and reducing symptoms.
- Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: This blood cancer, called peripheral T-cell lymphoma, starts in the T-cells of your immune system and may be managed with targeted therapies to help you maintain your independence and enjoy your life to the fullest.
- Uterine Cancer: Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus, and treatments like surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy can help manage the disease and improve your comfort.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer of the blood cells, and while it might sound serious, many seniors live with it for years with minimal symptoms and only need occasional check-ups to monitor its progress.
- Gynecologic Cancer: For older adults with gynecologic cancers, treatment plans are carefully designed to balance effectiveness with minimizing side effects, focusing on preserving physical and emotional well-being while maintaining as much independence as possible.
- Illeum Cancer: Treatment for ileum cancer, which develops in the lower small intestine, often involves surgery to remove the cancerous area, combined with other therapies like chemotherapy to improve your chances of recovery and well-being.
- Medulloblastoma: Medulloblastoma is a brain tumor that can affect people of all ages, including older adults, and treatmenttypically involving a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapyaims to remove the cancer and improve symptoms, helping you live as fully as you can.
- Small Intestine Cancer: If diagnosed with small intestine cancer, seniors and their caregivers can work with the healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes comfort and maintaining the ability to live fulfilling lives.
- Brain Cancer: While a brain cancer diagnosis can be challenging, advancements in medicine mean there are options for managing the disease, such as targeted therapies and supportive care, to help seniors live comfortably and maintain their independence.
- Head and Neck Cancer: Head and neck cancers can impact speech, swallowing, and breathing, but modern treatments are designed to manage these challenges, allowing seniors to maintain their independence and engage in activities they enjoy.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. John Peterson offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: As part of your overall cancer care, a bone marrow biopsy provides valuable information about the health of your blood-forming tissues, informing decisions about treatment and ongoing monitoring.
- Cancer Screening: As part of a comprehensive senior care plan, cancer screenings play a vital role in detecting cancers like breast, prostate, colon, and lung cancers early, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment.
- Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): IGRT allows oncologists to continually monitor the tumor's position during radiation therapy, making adjustments as needed to ensure optimal treatment and better outcomes for older adults with cancer.
- Cancer Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy plays a vital role in extending life expectancy and improving outcomes for seniors with specific types of cancers, often used in conjunction with other therapies.
- Cervical Lymph Node Dissection: This procedure helps assess the spread of cancer and aids in developing a personalized treatment strategy for seniors, ensuring their best outcome.
- Bile Duct Resection: As part of a comprehensive cancer care plan, bile duct resection may be recommended to remove cancerous tumors in the bile duct, improving the senior's prognosis.
- Embolization of Tumor: To improve your quality of life, embolization helps control bleeding from a tumor or reduces its size, alleviating discomfort or pain.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Oncology in Florida.
Dr. John Peterson is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With a tailored treatment plan for lobular carcinoma, a senior woman regained her energy and was able to resume her beloved watercolor painting hobby, bringing joy back into her daily life.
- With targeted therapies and compassionate care, a senior with lung cancer found relief from persistent coughing and regained the ability to enjoy walks in the park with her family.
- With a tailored treatment plan, a senior with mantle cell lymphoma experienced fewer fatigue symptoms, allowing them to resume their beloved hobby of painting.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. John Peterson:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Peterson and our team are medical oncologists, specializing in treating cancer with medications like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Surgical and radiation oncologists also play important roles, often working together to create a personalized treatment plan.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. John Peterson will be a comprehensive consultation. We will review your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans to gather information and begin forming a personalized plan. This is the first step in a partnership, where Dr. Peterson will explain the diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all your questions with care and compassion.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is a factor, Dr. Peterson considers a patient's overall health, fitness level, and personal goals as more important when deciding on cancer treatment. He specializes in creating personalized treatment plans for seniors, which may be adapted to be just as effective while minimizing side effects and preserving independence.
- What is radiation therapy?
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells, while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. It's a localized treatment, meaning it only affects the area being treated. The procedure itself is painless, similar to an X-ray.
- What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
- Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and stress from serious illness like cancer, and can be provided alongside curative treatment at any stage. Hospice care is comfort care provided when curative treatment is no longer desired.
- What is immunotherapy?
- Immunotherapy is an advanced cancer treatment that uses your body's own immune system to find and fight cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells, immunotherapy "unleashes" your immune system to do the work. It's a groundbreaking approach to cancer care, often well-tolerated.
- What does it mean if my prostate cancer is managed with 'active surveillance'?
- Active surveillance is a safe and standard way to manage slow-growing, low-risk prostate cancer. It involves close monitoring with regular blood tests and biopsies, rather than immediate treatment, to avoid potential side effects if the cancer never becomes a problem.
- What is chemotherapy and what are the side effects?
- Chemotherapy is a powerful medication used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. While side effects like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss are a concern, many excellent medications and supportive care strategies are available today to effectively manage these side effects and maintain quality of life during treatment.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
1201 5th Ave N
St Petersburg FL 33705
Phone: (727) 821-0017
Dr. John Peterson, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1245211242
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Oncology like Dr. John Peterson are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.