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:
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
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