"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

David Astaphan, PA-C

Provider

David Astaphan, PA-C

Physician Assistant, Fred Hutch
Teaching Associate, Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Radiation Oncology

Proton Therapy

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“Patients should know they have my full attention when we meet. I will always give them the best care possible.”

— David

How have you been personally impacted by cancer?

Both my mother and aunt are breast cancer survivors. They had thoroughly capable and compassionate providers, and this made their treatment more bearable. I strive to provide the same level of high-quality care to my own patients.

What brought you to radiation oncology?

I spent the bulk of my career in neurosurgery assisting many patients with cancer, so moving to radiation oncology was a natural transition. I enjoy helping people navigate treatment and recovery.

My approach is simple: provide the quality of care that I would want for my family or myself. I love taking time to explain everything to patients and thoroughly answer their questions so that we can be a united team for treatment. I aim to be compassionate, which is vital for patients confronting a difficult diagnosis.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Cancers of the central nervous system, head and neck cancers

I am a certified physician assistant who sees patients at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center – Proton Therapy.

I provide care to patients who are having proton therapy for head, neck or central nervous system cancers, including managing side effects. I also help run a survivorship program, focused on ongoing surveillance and wellness, for patients who have had proton beam therapy.

Diseases Treated

Head and Neck Cancers

Languages

English
Spanish

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
University of Florida

Medical Degree
Medical University of South Carolina

Clinical Trials

We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch physicians. Many of these trials at Fred Hutch have led to FDA-approved treatments and have improved standards of care globally. Together, you and your physician can decide if a study is right for you.

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Your Care Team

At Fred Hutch, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes physicians, a patient care coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like registered dietitians, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.

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Insurance

Fred Hutch accepts most national private health insurance plans as well as Medicare. We also accept Medicaid for people from Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. We are working to ensure that everyone, no matter what their financial situation, has access to the care they need.

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