Dr. Yizhou Zhao – Oncologist / Hematologist | Surrey, BC

Dr. Yizhou Zhao, a Radiation Oncologist, utilizes advanced radiation therapies to treat various forms of cancer, working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Practicing at a specialized cancer centre within a hospital department in Surrey, BC, he is dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer care for adult patients with suspected or diagnosed conditions. His practice is situated in the West Newton, Strawberry Hill neighborhood of Surrey, an accessible area near the Commercial Corridor (Guildford/Fleetwood/South Surrey). The facility is conveniently reachable via public transit, including TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line and Bus), and it is wheelchair accessible. Metered street parking is available nearby to accommodate patients and visitors. Dr. Zhao’s team emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring personalized treatment plans in a supportive environment.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Université de Montréal in 2013, Canada, and completed extensive postgraduate training in Radiation Oncology (Cancer Treatment with Radiation). He holds certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to excellence in cancer care. His training has equipped him with the latest knowledge and skills in radiation therapy planning and delivery, ensuring high standards of safety and effectiveness.

Dr. Zhao’s clinical philosophy centers on multidisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based treatments, and compassionate patient support. He is dedicated to advancing research and integrating innovative techniques into his practice to improve outcomes. Fluent in English and French, he strives to make his patients feel comfortable and well-informed throughout their treatment journey. His goal is to provide optimal, personalized care to adults facing cancer or blood disorders in Surrey, BC, with a focus on holistic well-being and quality of life.

Dr. Yizhou Zhao has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

Common Areas/Cancers Treated with Radiation Oncology

• Gastrointestinal Cancers (e.g., Rectal, Anal, Pancreatic, Stomach): Role of radiation therapy in managing various cancers of the digestive system, often as part of combined modality treatment.
• Head & Neck Cancers (e.g., Laryngeal, Pharyngeal, Oral Cavity): Utilizing radiation therapy as a primary treatment, or in conjunction with surgery and/or chemotherapy for cancers of the head and neck region.
• Genitourinary Cancers (e.g., Prostate, Bladder, Testicular): Using radiation therapy, including brachytherapy for prostate cancer, to treat cancers of the male and female urinary and reproductive systems.

Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated

• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) (e.g., Diffuse Large B-Cell, Follicular, Mantle Cell): A diverse group of blood cancers that develop from lymphocytes, with many different subtypes requiring tailored treatments.
• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): A type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes, common in children but also occurs in adults.
• Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia: A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by an overproduction of a protein called macroglobulin.

Common Cancers (Solid Tumors) Treated

• Prostate Cancer: Cancer developing in the prostate gland in men, with treatment options including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation, or active surveillance.
• Ovarian, Uterine (Endometrial), & Cervical Cancers (Gynecologic Oncology - Medical Aspects): Systemic treatment aspects for cancers of the female reproductive system, often in collaboration with gynecologic oncologists or surgeons.
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon & Rectal Cancer): Cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, often managed with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation (for rectal), and targeted therapies.

This list provides examples of common conditions treated and is not exhaustive. Cancer and blood disorders are complex, and treatment is highly individualized. For personalized advice, please discuss your specific situation with Dr. Yizhou Zhao or your referring physician.

• Performance Status Assessment & Treatment Eligibility Evaluation: Evaluating a patient's overall fitness and ability to tolerate specific anti-cancer treatments.
• Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): Utilizing advanced imaging during treatment delivery to precisely target tumors and adapt to changes, while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
• Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) / Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) / Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): Delivering highly focused, high-dose radiation to precisely targeted tumors or lesions in the brain or body, often in a few treatment sessions.
• Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI): Preventative radiation treatment to the brain for certain cancers at high risk of brain metastases.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Cancer & Blood Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed decision-making.
• Palliative Radiation Therapy for Symptom Control: Using radiation to alleviate pain, bleeding, or obstruction caused by cancer.
• Total Body Irradiation (TBI) - Component of Stem Cell Transplant Regimens: Radiation therapy delivered to the entire body, often used as part of the conditioning regimen before a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.

Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Radiation Oncology (Cancer Treatment with Radiation). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Zhao provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Zhao or your healthcare team for details relevant to your care.

All medical services and treatments are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant cancer care guidelines. A referral is required.

Dr. Yizhou Zhao practices at a specialized cancer centre within a hospital department located in Surrey's West Newton, Strawberry Hill neighborhood. The facility is situated in close proximity to the Commercial Corridor (Guildford, Fleetwood, South Surrey), providing easy access via major transit routes. Public transportation options include TransLink's SkyTrain Expo Line and bus services, ensuring convenient travel for patients. The centre is fully wheelchair accessible, and metered street parking is available nearby, facilitating easy access for patients and visitors. This setting offers advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, supporting comprehensive and multidisciplinary cancer care for adults in the Surrey area.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Zhao, an Radiation Oncologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests (like biopsies, imaging reviews), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy planning and delivery, and management of blood disorders by a licensed Radiation Oncologist such as Dr. Zhao are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Specific drug coverage for newer therapies can vary by provincial formularies and may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Medical Services Plan (MSP), Dr. Zhao's office, the hospital's patient financial services, or the cancer care navigation services at the treatment facility.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Zhao, an Radiation Oncologist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Radiation Oncologist like Dr. Zhao for assessment or treatment of cancer or significant hematological conditions. This ensures that your primary care provider is involved in your care continuum and that you are directed to the most appropriate specialist for your specific situation. Cancer care programs often have centralized intake systems that manage referrals to ensure timely access.

What does an Oncologist and/or Hematologist like Dr. Zhao specialize in?

An Oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This can include Medical Oncologists who use systemic treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, Radiation Oncologists who use radiation therapy, and Surgical Oncologists who perform surgery to remove tumors. A Hematologist specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the blood, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph glands; this includes benign conditions like anemia and bleeding disorders, as well as malignant conditions (blood cancers) like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Dr. Zhao has expertise in radiation oncology, focusing on the use of targeted radiation treatments to combat cancer, or in some cases, may have additional certifications or experience in related fields, providing comprehensive care for various cancers and blood conditions.

What is Radiation Oncology and when is it used?

Radiation Oncology is a medical specialty that uses high-energy radiation (like X-rays, gamma rays, or charged particles) to damage or destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be used as a primary treatment, before surgery (neoadjuvant), after surgery (adjuvant), or in combination with chemotherapy. It can also be used for palliative care to relieve symptoms. Dr. Zhao specializes in planning and delivering radiation therapy using techniques like External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT), Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), or brachytherapy, tailored to each patient's specific condition.

How does cancer or blood disorder treatment differ for children compared to adults?

[If provider is pediatric specialist:] As a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist, Dr. Zhao specializes in these differences. Children's bodies react differently to treatments, and the types of cancers and blood disorders are often distinct from adult conditions. Treatment protocols are specifically designed for pediatric patients, considering their growth and development. Care is family-centered, involving parents and caregivers closely in decision-making and support. [Else:] Treatment for children with cancer or blood disorders is highly specialized and managed by Pediatric Hematologists/Oncologists. They use protocols tailored to children, considering long-term effects on growth and development.

How is cancer care typically coordinated when seeing Dr. Zhao?

Cancer care and complex hematology care often involve a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of specialists working together. This team may include medical oncologists like Dr. Zhao, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, specialized oncology nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, genetic counselors, and palliative care specialists. Regular team meetings (often called tumor boards or MDT meetings) usually occur to discuss individual patient cases and develop comprehensive, coordinated treatment plans. Dr. Zhao works collaboratively within this team to ensure you receive holistic and well-managed care.

13750 96 Ave, BC Cancer Surrey
Surrey, BC V3V 1Z2

Phone: (604) 930-4033

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Zhao is a licensed Radiation Oncologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or other specialist is required for most consultations and treatments under the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/357220/Zhao%2CYizhou