Ms. Casandra Anderson, MD

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Get to know Surgical Oncologist Dr. Casandra Anderson, who serves patients in California.

Recognized as a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist, Dr. Anderson’s interests are in breast care, including complex cancer care and high-risk screening. She is a part of the team of professionals at California Cancer Associates for Research & Excellence (cCARE).

cCARE is the largest full-service, private oncology and hematology practice in California. With offices in San Diego and Fresno, California, the state-of-the-art facilities offer extensive services and care for every step of one’s cancer treatment, including oncology, chemotherapy, radiation oncology, infusion, and imaging. cCARE’s research division offers a high number of clinical trials for qualifying patients.

To help her patients understand their options and voice their preferences, Dr. Anderson has helped develop shared decision-making tools, as well as value and preference surveys. She recognizes the social and emotional challenges that come with a life-changing diagnosis, and is dedicated to her patients’ treatment and recovery.

“I believe the best way to deliver care to a newly diagnosed cancer patient is through a multidisciplinary team approach, with treatment focused around the patient’s goals. I am honored to share patients’ cancer journeys with them from the initial consultation to the long-term follow-up care” as stated by the doctor.

With a broad educational background, Dr. Anderson graduated summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota in 1995. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 2000 and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Medical Society. She completed her surgical residency at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at which time she also participated in a surgical critical care fellowship. She then went on to train in surgical oncology at City of Hope in Duarte, California.

A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), she is board-certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery (ABS). The ABS is an independent, non-profit organization located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded for the purpose of certifying surgeons who have met a defined standard of education, training, and knowledge.

Surgical oncology is the branch of surgery applied to oncology; it focuses on the surgical management of tumors, especially cancerous tumors. A surgical oncologist removes the tumor and nearby tissue during surgery. He or she also performs certain types of biopsies to help diagnose cancer.

Among her various accomplishments, Dr. Anderson has been named Best Doctors for Women (General Surgery) by Minnesota Monthly (2013-2014, 2019); Best Doctors (General Surgery) by Minnesota Monthly (2015-2016); Top Doctors (Breast Surgery) by Minnesota Monthly (2014, 2017-2019); Top Doctors (General Surgery) by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine (2012-2019); Bruce Linderholm Award, ANW Medical Staff (2013); and Terrell McElligott Surgical Oncology Fellow of the Year Award (2008). 

On a more personal note, she enjoys spending her free time with her husband and son playing mini-golf and escape games. She also enjoys exploring new places, gardening, and doing outdoor activities.

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