Cancer Treatment Team
What types of specialists help treat cancer?
The different members of your cancer team offer many kinds of help. They can help you deal with the physical and emotional effects of having cancer.
The treatment team may include:
- your primary healthcare provider
- medical oncologist
- radiation oncologist
- radiation technologist
- surgeon
- oncology nurses
- dieticians
- physical therapist
- pharmacist
- social worker, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
What do these specialists do?
Your primary healthcare provider will continue to provide your usual care. Your provider will also help you manage any other health problems you may have during your cancer treatment, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Often the primary healthcare provider coordinates treatments and communication among the other specialists on the team.
A medical oncologist is a doctor who has had special training in the treatment of cancer. He or she sees you after you have been diagnosed with cancer and recommends which cancer treatments are best for your type and stage of cancer. The oncologist is the person who prescribes and monitors chemotherapy treatments. Your oncologist may be a team leader, keeping a check on all treatments and making referrals to other specialists as needed.
Radiation oncologists are doctors who have special training in the use of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy rays to shrink or destroy tumors. These doctors determine the dosage and scheduling of radiation treatments and they manage side effects. Another type of specialist, the radiation technologist, performs the radiation treatment.
Surgeons are doctors who remove tissue for diagnosis, insert special tubes called catheters for giving chemotherapy, and do operations to remove cancerous tissue.
Oncology nurses provide nursing care to cancer patients. They give medicine and watch for side effects. They can give tips and advice for dealing with drug side effects and problems caused by the cancer. Nurses may care for you at the hospital, outpatient clinics, or home.
Dietitians design a diet to meet your particular needs. They can help you know how to get the calories and nutrients you need during your illness and treatment. The diet will help you maintain a healthy weight. Proper nutrition can make it easier for your body to fight the cancer. A healthy diet will also help fight the side effects of treatments and any infections that might develop. Dietitians can also give you tips about increasing your appetite if you have nausea, stomach upset, or tiredness from your illness or treatment.
A physical therapist designs an exercise program that is right for you. Proper exercise can help you maintain muscle tone and adapt to any physical changes that may result from your treatment. Physical therapists can provide exercise even if you are bedridden or in a wheelchair.
Pharmacists prepare the medicines used in cancer treatment. These medicines include the drugs used in chemotherapy and other prescription drugs.
Social workers or psychologists help you cope with the stress of the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. They can provide counseling for you and your family and help you find a support group. Social workers can help coordinate your hospital discharge. Psychiatrists are doctors who can diagnose, provide therapy, and prescribe medicine for depression or anxiety or other psychological effects of coping with cancer.
Finally, remember that you are the most important member of this team. Don't be afraid to ask questions and get any information you need. Let the other members of the team know when you need help and care. If you feel that your team is not listening to you or you are uncomfortable letting them know your needs, it is often helpful to have an advocate. This person is often a family member or friend who goes with you to your appointments and helps make your needs and concerns known. This person can also take notes for you at your appointments so when you get home you can better remember what was said.
For more information, contact:
- American Cancer Society (800-ACS-2345, http://www.cancer.org)
- National Cancer Institute (800-4-CANCER, http://www.cancer.gov).
