Dr. Rafael Blanco, MD is a medical oncologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive oncological care for older adults at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute in Tampa, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health, Dr. Blanco understands the unique needs of older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses. He provides expert medical care for common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to manage complex conditions and create a personalized treatment plan. He is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist with extensive experience in Phase II clinical trials research, published in numerous journals.
Dr. Blanco's commitment to excellence is rooted in his rigorous medical training. He completed medical school at Tulane University School of Medicine, followed by residency and fellowship training in medical oncology/hematology at the University of South Florida. His board certifications in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology from the American Board of Internal Medicine underscore his expertise. Dr. Blanco is committed to providing the best possible care, incorporating the latest advancements in cancer treatment, including genetic screening and immunotherapies. He recognizes the importance of personalized care and strives to minimize disruption to daily life for his patients. He is currently welcoming new patients and can be reached at (813) 875-3950 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Blanco offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Rafael Blanco is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Blanco is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive oncological care with a compassionate focus. He expertly manages common cancers, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and other specialists to create personalized treatment plans that prioritize the unique needs and goals of each patient. This collaborative approach ensures a holistic and supportive experience, maximizing comfort and independence for older adults facing these challenges.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Rafael Blanco can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
Beech Street (Multiplan)
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Humana
Medicaid
Open Access
PHCS
Tricare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna HMO
- AvMed
- Blue Card
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- ChoiceCare Network
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- EmblemHealth
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Great West Healthcare-Cigna
- Great West Healthcare-Cigna PPO
- Health Net
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- Midwest Health Plan
- Molina
- Molina Healthcare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Options
- Options PPO
- Preferred
- Preferred PPO
- Select
- Select HMO
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
- Workers Compensation
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Rafael Blanco 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:
- Hypothalamus Cancer: While rare, cancer in the hypothalamus, a small area in the brain controlling hormones, can be challenging, but advancements in treatment offer ways to manage symptoms and support daily living for seniors.
- Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, and treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy can often help manage the disease and maintain a comfortable quality of life.
- Throat Cancer (Nasopharyngeal): Nasopharyngeal cancer is a type of throat cancer that develops in the upper part of the throat behind the nose, and treatments like radiation or surgery aim to improve breathing, swallowing, and overall comfort.
- Cervical Cancer: If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cervical cancer, know that various treatment options exist, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or medications. These can help to reduce symptoms, slow or stop the cancer's growth, and help maintain independence.
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes: For seniors, a diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can be concerning, as it affects blood cell production; however, with appropriate treatment plans involving medication, blood transfusions, or possibly a bone marrow transplant, many are able to maintain their independence and quality of life.
- Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer affects the colon and rectum, but advancements in treatment mean many older adults can receive effective care that helps them stay active and independent.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia: In AML, the bone marrow makes abnormal white blood cells that don't function properly, leading to fatigue and other symptoms; modern treatments like chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants can significantly extend life and improve quality of life.
- Myeloproliferative Disorders: Myeloproliferative disorders are blood cancers where the bone marrow makes too many blood cells, often leading to symptoms like fatigue and an enlarged spleen, but with proper medical management, seniors can often maintain a good quality of life.
- Follicular Lymphoma Grade 3B: Grade 3B follicular lymphoma is a faster-growing lymphoma, but thankfully, there are effective treatments available to help slow its progression and alleviate symptoms, enabling many seniors to enjoy their independence.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a type of blood cancer that, with the right treatment, can be managed effectively, allowing seniors to maintain their independence and enjoy a good quality of life.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia Multilineage Dysplasia: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with multilineage dysplasia is a serious blood cancer where the bone marrow makes abnormal blood cells, and this specific type shows signs of early abnormal development across several blood cell types, but treatment like chemotherapy can help manage symptoms and extend life.
- Bladder Cancer: A diagnosis of bladder cancer can be concerning, but advancements in treatment mean that many people can live well with this condition, often maintaining a good quality of life with appropriate medical care and support.
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. Rafael Blanco 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: Cancer screening tests help find cancer early, often before you have any symptoms, improving treatment chances.
- Plasmapheresis: As part of your comprehensive cancer care plan, plasmapheresis might be used to filter out antibodies or other proteins contributing to your symptoms.
- Salpingo Oopherectomy: This procedure, salpingo-oophorectomy, involves the surgical removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, which can be part of a preventative strategy or a treatment for certain cancers.
- Laparoscopic Pancreas Resection: As part of a comprehensive cancer care plan for elderly patients, laparoscopic pancreas resection is a surgical option to treat pancreatic cancer, potentially extending life and improving quality of life.
- Salivary Gland Surgery: As part of a comprehensive cancer care plan, salivary gland surgery might be used to remove cancerous growths, improving the senior's chances of recovery and quality of life.
- Total or Simple Mastectomy: As part of a comprehensive breast cancer care plan, a total mastectomy involves the complete removal of the breast to help improve the chances of successful treatment.
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. Rafael Blanco 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:
- A senior with hypothalamus cancer found relief from debilitating fatigue, allowing them to reconnect with their grandchildren through engaging in enjoyable activities once more. The family felt a renewed sense of hope and security knowing their loved one was receiving the best possible care.
- With the oncology's guidance, a senior felt more secure at home, able to enjoy familiar activities and spend time with loved ones, thanks to lymphoma treatment that effectively managed their symptoms.
- Following specialized treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer, a senior felt a significant improvement in their ability to eat and breathe comfortably, allowing them to enjoy meals with family once more.
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. Rafael Blanco:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Blanco is a medical oncologist, a doctor specializing in cancer treatment using medications like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Other cancer specialists, like surgical and radiation oncologists, also play vital 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. Blanco will be a comprehensive consultation to gather information and begin forming a personalized treatment plan. This will include a detailed review of your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans. Dr. Blanco will explain your diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all of your questions with care and compassion, partnering with you to create the best possible care plan.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is a factor, Dr. Blanco considers a patient's overall health, fitness level, and personal goals more important when determining the best 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 immunotherapy?
- Immunotherapy is an advanced cancer treatment that uses the body's own immune system to find and fight cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells, immunotherapy "unleashes" the immune system to do the work. It's a groundbreaking approach, often well-tolerated, and a valuable option in cancer care.
- 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, there are many excellent medications and supportive care strategies available today to effectively manage these side effects and maintain quality of life during treatment.
- What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
- Palliative care at Dr. Blanco's practice focuses on relieving cancer symptoms and stress, and can be used alongside curative treatment at any stage of illness. Hospice care, on the other hand, is comfort care provided when curative treatment is stopped.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly personalized, considering the specific cancer type and overall health. Options often include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy pills, which are generally well-tolerated. Dr. Blanco works with a team to create the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
- What does it mean if my prostate cancer is managed with 'active surveillance'?
- Active surveillance is a safe and standard approach for slow-growing, low-risk prostate cancer. It involves regular monitoring with blood tests and biopsies, rather than immediate treatment. This allows us to avoid potential side effects of treatment for cancers that may not cause problems.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
3402 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 875-3950
Dr. Rafael Blanco, 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): 1164474615
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. Rafael Blanco 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.