Your Medical Team:
Fighting cancer takes a team of medical professionals. Whether you're receiving treatment in a team-based clinic or hospital or you're working on putting together your own cancer support team, you'll need to know who the team members are and what they do. You may not need all of these specialists on your team, but this list will help you understand how they can help you fight your cancer.
Family Doctor:
Your family doctor or primary care physician may be the first person you see when you discover a
breast lump. This is the person who you visit for regular medical care. All of your test results and treatments plans should be copied to this doctor. In some cases, your family doctor will coordinate your cancer care with the rest of your healthcare team. In addition, your family doctor may be able to refer you to good oncology specialists.
Radiologist:
Anytime you have a
mammogram or
ultrasound, you will see your radiologist. These specialists take pictures of your internal organs, soft tissues, and bones. If a suspicious area appears on your mammogram or ultrasound, your radiologist will write a
report and alert you or your primary care physician.
General Surgeon:
Your general surgeon can do a wide variety of procedures, including
breast biopsy,
lumpectomy, and
mastectomy. But a general surgeon may also remove gall bladders, do appendectomies, and fix broken noses. General surgeons receive extensive training over several years, and are very familiar with procedures for removing cancer.
Breast Surgeon:
A breast surgeon specializes in operating on the breast. If you want to stay with just one surgeon that will take you through biopsy, lumpectomy or mastectomy, and possibly
breast reconstruction, a breast surgeon may be what you need. Such a surgeon may also be called an oncoplastic surgeon.
Surgical Oncologist:
General surgeons who take additional training in cancer surgery are called surgical oncologists. Surgical oncologists can remove cancer from various locations in the body, and will have experience in breast cancer procedures.
Plastic Surgeon:
For breast cancer patients, a plastic surgeon may be needed for
reconstructive surgery. Plastic surgeons specialize in reshaping or rebuilding a breast, after cancer surgery has removed part, or all, of your breast.
Pathologist:
A pathologist is specially trained to examine tissues that were removed during surgery. You may never meet your pathologist, but they perform an important part of
diagnosing your cancer. Pathologists do a microscopic examination of tumor tissue, analyzing the cell biology and writing your
pathology report.Medical Oncologist:
Many people think of their medical oncologist as their only oncologist. Your medical oncologist specializes in treating cancer with drugs. This doctor will prescribe
chemotherapy,
targeted biological therapy, and
hormone therapy, if you need it. For many patients, the medical oncologist is the captain of your cancer treatment team.
Oncology Nurse Practitioner (ONP):
An oncology nurse practitioner can read your chart, explain test results, and manage your cancer treatments. If you need prescriptions, help with side effects, advice about diet, or have questions about some aspect of cancer care, your ONP is the person to see.
Oncology Nurse:
Sometimes called an infusion nurse, these team members specialize in giving the drugs that fight cancer. If you need a chemotherapy infusion, injection, or blood draw, an oncology nurse will be there for you.
Radiation Oncologist:
A radiation oncologist will help you decide what method and dosage of radiation you need to fight your cancer. This doctor will explain your options, and will set up your radiation treatment sessions.
Radiation Oncology Nurse:
Your radiation oncology nurse will help position you for treatments, explain the procedure, and help you take care of yourself during treatment.
Social Worker:
Many clinics and hospitals have a social worker that can help you and your family members with emotional needs during treatment. Social workers have experience in counseling, and can direct you to support services.
Financial Aid Counselor:
Cancer treatments are costly, and if you're having financial stresses, talking with your clinic's financial aid counselor can help. There may be funds available to help you, or this counselor may be able to interface with your health insurance company to resolve issues.
Physical Therapist:
If you develop problems with movement or strength during or after cancer treatment, a physical therapist can devise an exercise plan for you. Physical therapists can show you how to recover your muscle tone by demonstrating exercises or by helping you with movements.
Oncology Psychiatrist:
A psycho-oncologist can help you and your family with mood, anxiety, feelings of loss, grief, and confusion. If needed, a psychiatrist may prescribe medications for you or suggest therapies to help you through cancer treatment.
Sources:
National Cancer Institute. Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Radiation Nurse.
The Oncology Nurse Practitioner: A Unique Provider for the Follow-Up for Early-Stage Breast Cancer. Margaret Q. Rosenzweig. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 24, No 22 (August 1), 2006: pp. 3710-3711.
Psycho-oncology: a coming of age. Charles Montgomery. Psychiatric Bulletin (1999), 23. 431-435.
